Decision Maker: Communities, Parks and Leisure Policy Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: November 3, 2025

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.