Agenda item - Allotments

Report of Interim Executive Director Economy, Environment & Culture

1)             That the Committee notes the updates contained in this report.

2)             That the Committee notes the 2021 Outline Business Case for Allotments in Brighton & Hove report commissioned by the BHAF which is contained in Appendix 1.

9.1          The Committee considered a report of the Interim Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture that provided an update on the work of the Allotment Service within City Parks.

9.2          In response to questions from Councillor Platts, it was clarified that a new process had been agreed with Brighton & Hove Allotment Federation (BHAF) to give more power to site reps that would quicken the allocation of unused plots. On the two sites identified by Councillor Platts, it was clarified that they would be monitored but the priority would be optimising the service and investigating and identifying leak repairs.

9.3          In response to a question from Councillor Nemeth, it was clarified that approximately half of sites were using the new process for the allocation of unused plots.

9.4          In response to a question from Councillor Robins, additional resources meant that plots were being cleared more quickly in preparation to let and that was expected to improve.

9.5          In response to a question from Councillor Bagaeen, it was confirmed that no demographic data was kept on current and prospective allotment holders however, work was underway about how to obtain and collate that data in line with regulations.

9.6          Resolved-

1)             That the Committee notes the updates contained in this report.

2)             That the Committee notes the 2021 Outline Business Case for Allotments in Brighton & Hove report commissioned by the BHAF which is contained in Appendix 1.