Content

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

4.60%

Category A
plot - (per perch with concession)

£7.17

£0.33

£7.50

4.60%

Category B
plot - (per perch)

£13.86

£0.64

£14.50

4.60%

Category B
plot - (per perch with concession)

£6.93

£0.32

£7.25

4.60%

Category C
plot - (per perch)

£13.24

£0.61

£13.85

4.60%

Category C
plot - (per perch with concession)

£6.62

£0.30

£6.92

4.60%

Chalet
(Building)

£135.00

£6.21

£141.21

4.60%

Chalet
Concession (Building)

£67.50

£3.11

£70.61

4.60%

Brick
Cubicle (Building

£31.05

£1.43

£32.48

4.60%

Raised bed
(per unit)

£32.14

£1.48

£33.62

4.60%

Raised bed
(per unit with concession)

£16.07

£0.74

£16.81

4.60%

Increase

 

 

 

4.60%

 

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%.