At the end of August the Council communicated to plot holders that it would be implementing an 11% rent rise for 2024-25.
BHAF communicated to the Council that allotment rule 11.9 states that the Council needs to give 6 months notice to plot holders of any rent rise and that this had not happened. The Council admitted this had not happened and have addressed it by putting back the rise by six months from now. The next six months will be charged at the current rate and then from April 2025 plots will be charged at the new rate.
We have however also received messages from people concerned about the 11% rise in any case, especially considering the very large rise last year. The rise also seems out of proportion with other council services. We surveyed members via our Facebook group. The results of the survey can be
downloaded here.
As a result BHAF have submitted a letter to the Allotment Oversight Board (
downloadable here) detailing our concerns and asking;
Would BHCC please provide a detailed and transparent case for why the rise needs to be 11% – how was this figure arrived at and by whom?
Also
downloadable here is a document from Sheffield City Council which shows best practice in implementing rent rises for allotments.
