Town allotment services up for review when councillors meet to discuss crucial long awaited report.....

Hartlepool Borough Council Set To Unveil Plans to Revamp Allotment Services After Long Awaited Review.....

1st Sep 2024

Author : HBC Exposed

In a bid to modernise and improve allotment services across the town, Hartlepool Borough Council’s getting set to announce a series of proposed changes based on a long awaited comprehensive review.

The review, conducted by ERS Research & Consultancy, aims to assess the current state of allotments in the town and identify areas for improvement.

Review said to recommend Rents go up !

In a report set to go before councillors next week, its claimed Key recommendations from the review include A Potential Allotment Rent Increase, with the local council considering raising allotment fees by at least 25%, with potential increases of up to 50% for new tenants.

This could mean an increase from the current £1.12 per week to £1.39 per week or more.

In addition to a potential rent increase to both current & new allotment holders, a new Administrative Streamlining system to reduce costs and improve efficiency is also on the cards, with the council planning to implement a new software system to manage allotment tenancies.

The review's also said to have explored the possibility of ‘self-management’ or a charitable trust model for certain allotment sites, all of which is set to be discussed when councillors meet to go over the report at the councils Adult & Community Based Services meeting set to be held on the 5th September 2024.

Security could be 'beefed up' on some sites to prevent repeated break in's

The council's also said to be looking into further security measures for allotment sites and to also promote more environmentally friendly practices.

The report’s said to be recommending ‘better communication channels’ with allotment tenants, including newsletters and social media engagement.

Council Chiefs claim that the changes highlighted in the report are necessary to ensure the long-term viability of our allotment service. By streamlining administration, improving security, and promoting sustainable practices, we can create a more enjoyable and rewarding experience for our allotment tenants.

Whilst the proposed changes are expected to benefit the allotment service, some tenants are likley to be concerned about the potential increase in allotment fees.

The council has reportedly ‘acknowledged’ these concerns and is said to be 'committed to engaging with the community to address any questions or concerns'.

The recommendations from the review & plans to implement the proposals deemed appropriate in the report are set to go before councillors next week at 10am at Hartlepool’s Civic Centre.