Decision

AGREED: that

The annual allotments rental, for the allotment year commencing 2 February 2024, be increased by 4.6%, as illustrated in the table below:

Item

Current Charge £

Proposed Price Change £

New Charge

% Increase

Category A plot - (per perch)

£14.34

£0.66

£15.00

1. 60%

Category A plot - (per perch with concession)

£7.17

£0.33

£7.50

1. 60%

Category B plot - (per perch)

£13.86

£0.64

£14.50

1. 60%

Category B plot - (per perch with concession)

£6.93

£0.32

£7.25

1. 60%

Category C plot - (per perch)

£13.24

£0.61

£13.85

1. 60%

Category C plot - (per perch with concession)

£6.62

£0.30

£6.92

1. 60%

Chalet (Building)

£135.00

£6.21

£141.21

1. 60%

Chalet Concession (Building)

£67.50

£3.11

£70.61

1. 60%

Brick Cubicle (Building

£31.05

£1.43

£32.48

1. 60%

Raised bed (per unit)

£32.14

£1.48

£33.62

1. 60%

Raised bed (per unit with concession)

£16.07

£0.74

£16.81

1. 60%

Increase

1. 60%

Reasons for the decision

In line with Section 10 of the Allotments Act 1950, the Council is required to demonstrate that the annual rental per perch would remain affordable for customers.

In terms of affordability, plot holders aged 60 and above will continue to be eligible for a 50% reduction in the rental fee.  The option of paying 10 monthly Direct Debits is also provided for customers.

There are also 50% concessions available for individuals in receipt of the benefits/status listed below:

·         Housing Benefit

·         Income Support

·         JSA (Job Seekers Allowance) – means tested

·         Working Tax Credit

·         Council Tax Reduction Scheme – means tested

·         ESA (Employment and Support Allowance) – means tested

·         ESA (Employment and Support Allowance) – previously Incapacity Benefit

·         PIP (Personal Independence Payment) – previously Disability Living Allowance

·         Severe Disablement Allowance

·         Carers Allowance

·         Asylum Seeker

·         Refugee

·         Pension Credit Guarantee

·         16-18 years in full time education

·         Registered Training Scheme

·         Youth Offenders

The proposed increase in allotment rent is based on the CPI rate for October 2023, published in November 2023, which was 4.6%

By comparison, the average increase for the basket of leisure charges for the financial year April 2023 to March 2024 stands at 9.78%.