Decision details

To approve Leeds allotment rental charges.

Further to Minute No. 63, 4^th September 2013, the Director of Environment and Housing submitted a report which sought approval for a fresh decision on allotment rental charges following the outcome of a judicial review.

As part of the consideration of this matter, Members received information on the context and background to the recommended way forward, as detailed within the submitted report. In response, a concern was raised and a request was made for further dialogue to be undertaken with all relevant parties, prior to any final decisions being taken. Having noted the concern raised, at the conclusion of the debate it was 

RESOLVED – That the following be approved, without prejudice to the Council’s position that the decision made on 4th September 2013 was not unlawful and should not have been quashed:-

(a)  A phased rental increase commencing in autumn 2015, as set out in the following table, which starts for a full size plot in year 1 as £19.50 more per year (or £0.37 extra each week) to £33.50 more at the end of year three (which equates to £0.64 per week).

(b)  That a side letter be issued to each allotment association to confirm the

implementation of the provisions for concessions and that the reduction in the proportion of rental income that may be retained by the association should be deferred until the proposed new rental charges take effect;

(c)  That those sites managed by associations who fail to sign lease agreements on or before 15th October 2014 will automatically become directly managed by the Council and the Council will then offer a 12 month agreement to each plot holder on each site;

(d)  That following the Court ruling, it be noted that allotment rental charges in 2014/15 will be on the same basis as the previous year (2013/14), including the level of concessions;

(e)  That it be noted that the Chief Officer Parks and Countryside will be responsible for implementing the recommendations in the timescales indicated.

(Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 16.5, both Councillor A Carter and Councillor Golton required it to be recorded that they respectively voted against the matters included within this minute)

Public Consultation undertaken May 2013

All Ward Members, Stake holders, Talking Point