Purpose

To seek approval to set allotments rents for
the period 1st April 2026 to 31st March 2027. Allotment rents and
charges are reviewed annually, and in line with the respective
tenancy agreements. Tenants must be given 12 months’ notice
of any increase in rents.

Content

11.1

The Committee considered a report of the
Executive director of Neighbourhood Services which sought approval
for a 5.1% increase in allotment rent and water charges for the
period 2027 – 2028.

 

 

11.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the
Communities, Parks and Leisure Policy Committee:-

(a) 
Notes the contents of the report; and

(b) 
Approves a 5.1% increase to allotment rents for 2027/28.
 
(NOTE: 5.1% represents CPI inflation (June
2025) plus an additional percentage of 1.5%)

 

 

 

 

11.3

Reasons for
Decision

 

 

11.3.1

The recommendation to the Communities, Parks
and Leisure Committee is to increase the rents by 5.1% in 2027/28,
this protects the staffing levels within the team to continue to
provide support to allotment holders and their allotments and
maintains a small site improvement budget. It takes in to account
the results of the 2025 consultation, increasing rent by CPI
inflation plus an additional percentage of 1.5%.

 

 

 

 

11.4

Alternatives
Considered and Rejected

 

 

11.4.1

Alternative Option 1: Rents remain at 2026/27
levels for 2027/28.
This option was rejected as the proposal would
continue the significant decrease the level of service and site
improvements that can be undertaken. Following previous years of
below-inflationary rent increases, this would represent a reduction
to the budget for the service.

 

 

11.4.2

Alternative Option 2: An annual increase
aligned with CPI inflation, plus an extra percentage between 3.1%
and 6%, which may indicate a further expanded budget for site
improvements. This was the proposed ‘Option 3’ in the
Customer Satisfaction Survey.
 
This would allow much needed investment in the
estate's attainment of ‘Sheffield Standard; by 2030.
Additional budget could be allocated to those plots that are
currently unlettable due to their unviable condition, reducing
extensive waiting times for allotments and increasing revenue. This
option was rejected as the proposal may impact on those in our
communities who rely on allotments to live healthy, fulfilling and
sustainable lives. With the lasting effects of the ‘cost of
living crisis' those existing tenants may face financial hardship
and allotments would become unaffordable.