Decision details

Allotment Rent Increase 2018-19

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Purpose:

To seek approval for an increase in allotment rent and water charges for 2018/19, in line with the current level of inflation (1.8%).

Decision:

That:-

 

(i) the rent for allotments in 2018/19 is increased in line with the current level of inflation, ie.1.8%; and

 

(ii) the Head of Parks and Countryside be authorised to carry out consultation on a future above-inflation rent increase, as described in the report.

 

Reasons for the decision:

The recommendation effectively enables us to maintain the status quo.

Alternative options considered:

Rents could be left at the same level. However due to inflation this would effectively be akin to a reduction in budget. This was rejected because the current allotment budget is not felt to be larger than needed. A reduction would decrease the level of service and site improvements.

 

Rents could be increased by a larger amount. There was discussion at the allotment advisory group around a larger increase in rent for a specific purpose, e.g. creation of a sinking fund, or a budget allocation specifically for the purpose of promotion of allotments in areas of lower demand. However due to the requirement to give tenants 12 months’ notice of any increase in rent, it was felt that there was not sufficient time to develop and consider such proposals thoroughly for 2018/19. They will be re-visited in the future.

Publication date: 22/03/2017

Date of decision: 21/03/2017

Effective from: 29/03/2017

Accompanying Documents: