Page 32 - ALG Issue 4 2024

COUNCILS
IN
DEMAND
A survey of local authority allotment services, conducted by the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE), finds that over two-thirds of authorities report an average waiting time of more than 18 months, a slight drop from 2023. Matt Ellis,APSE Principal Advisor, lists the main takeaways from this year’s survey.
Allotments and community growing initiatives have a long-standing tradition
in the United Kingdom, tracing back to
the 19th century when they were first established to provide urban workers with access to green spaces and fresh produce. Today, their importance has transcended mere horticultural interests, encompassing environmental sustainability, social cohesion, physical and mental health, food security, education, and economic advantages.
APSE is a network of over 250 UK
local councils. At APSE, we have long acknowledged and advocated for allotments to be considered vital components of a sustainable and resilient environment. One can now see this consideration reflected in the environmental programmes of all four UK administrations.The question is whether these commitments at a governmental level are translating into meaningful support and results on the ground; a question APSE’s annual local authority allotment services survey is designed to answer.
This year’s survey has found the following:
Average wait times remain high but may have peaked in 2023 The countless benefits of allotments and community growing have not gone unnoticed
by the public, and waiting lists and times remain stubbornly high.This year, there
has been a modest drop in the number of authorities reporting average waiting times of more than 18 months.Therefore, the 2023 survey results may represent a peak in demand as the sector-wide move to reduce standard plot sizes begins to take effect.
Rental costs are increasing with more allotment services expected to be cost neutral
The rising costs for
allotment plots can be attributed to several factors, namely
increases in maintenance and infrastructure costs as well as budget cuts. Many of the costs associated with maintaining allotment sites such as water supply, fencing, pathways, and waste management, have increased above inflation in recent years. Local councils have had to pass these costs on to plotholders through higher rents.
The majority of allotments services continue to be susbsidised by the local authority. However, there has been a rise in the number of allotment services achieving cost neutrality – this means formerly subsidised allotment services are having
to make up for the shortfall in funding by passing these costs on to plotholders.
Plot size reductions prompted by high demand are generally met with approval from existing plotholders Owing to demand, many councils are now opting
to reduce plots that become available following their vacation. Reductions in size are generally met with approval, both by new and existing holders.
Not only does this approach reduce waiting times for prospective allotment holders, but new plotholders also tend to find smaller plots less daunting and easier to manage, making it a more practical option for those with busy schedules or limited experience. Existing plotholders have
found the approach has helped introduce more young people into sites, providing opportunities for intergenerational interaction where knowledge and skills are exchanged between older and younger generations.
A survey finds demand for local authority plots remains high with a growing number of allotment services expected to be cost neutral
2
“...new plotholders also tend to find smaller plots less daunting and easier to manage”
3
1
32 | Issue 4 2024 | Allotment and Leisure Gardener