Petition grows over increase in allotment fees
WHAT THE BUDGET MEANS FOR YOU
More than 100 people have signed a petition in a bid to halt a massive increase in fees for Bridge of Allan allotment holders.
The Cornton Road site tenants and residents say the increases are “excessive and unreasonable” and effectively amount to a more than 300 per cent increase in rents for 2023/24 and the ending of concession rates for OAPS and those on benefits.
The Stirling Council area has four allotment sites. The Cornton Road site is operated by the council and is the only one to which the increased charges will apply. This is said to be in a bid for “full cost recovery” rather than a money-making exercise.
The other tree allotment sites have all formed associations and lease the ground from the council. They have been able to offer cheaper fees to their users.
The Cornton Road allotment holders are said to now be considering forming their own cooperative to manage the allotments if their efforts to get the rent increase reduced to “something more reasonable” and to have concession rates restored fail.
Ronald Don, who initiated the petition, said: “Under the proposals our current joint rent of £126.50 would be increased by 327 per cent to £540. This they say is to ensure full cost recovery.
“I would like to audit the various costs as we were expecting a decrease in costs as last year the grass was only cut properly once and the tip only emptied twice. We did not expect concession rates for pensioners to be abolished as is in the proposals. Nothing was done to maintain fencing or road access and the water was turned off and on by allotment holders.
“If there are 30+ allotments on site £10,000 seems an extortionate price for the services provided and the administrative costs associated with maintaining a register, billing and collecting fees. We could employ someone for 50 per cent of their time with such an income and get better service than at present.
“The rent increase is way above inflation and the increases in other recreational services and we believe it is illegal under section 10(1) Allotment Act 1950 as per the Tenancy Agreement.”
Green councillor Alasdair Tollemache said: “I am particularly disturbed by the massive increase in the charges for the allotments.
“On all counts it is wrong environmental, mental health and sustainability - with a total lack of consultation. I support the allotment holders in challenging this.”