GREENWICH: Consultation begins on allotment rent increases (From News Shopper)

Consultation begins on Greenwich allotment rent increases

9:18am Friday 28th January 2011 in News By Nina Massey

The Council proposes an increase of nearly 200 per cent

ALLOTMENT holders may have to fork out a shed load of cash under new council plans.

A consultation on increasing allotment rents is part of a £72,000 Greenwich Council budget proposal.

Currently allotment holders pay £67 annually for a full plot. Under the new proposals the rent will treble to £200 with some allotment holders facing even steeper rises.

Kidbrooke Park Allotment Association’s chairman, Chris Norton said: “Many elderly people who use our allotments to socialise will no longer be able to afford the rent.

“The use of the allotments is great for their mental health and well being.”

He added: “We understand the council has to make cut backs but we are simply asking for a more reasonable rise, which the suggested increase of just under 200 per cent isn’t.”

At a consultation meeting on January 20, 30 allotment holders from the borough and the council representatives agreed that not enough information had been sent out about the meeting.

Mr Norton said: “The council did very little to let people know about the consultation and so the turnout wasn’t as hoped. “ The decision was taken to hold another meeting in the first week of February after more information had been sent out.

A spokesman for Greenwich council said : "The council is currently consulting on plans to fund local allotment schemes in light of the unprecedented government cuts.

"In addition, the council's cabinet member for culture and Olympics recently meet with allotment users to listen to their concerns, and ensure that their views are considered."

If the proposals go ahead, Greenwich council can expect to raise £72,000 from the increase.