Issue - meetings

To consider recommendations from the Cabinet regarding the future vision for the management of allotments in the borough.

Further to Minute No. 174 of the Cabinet and Commissioners Decision Making Meeting held on 9^th July, 2017 consideration was given to the report which detailed the proposals for a self-management model for allotments containing recommendations to approve the new vision and specification for allotments and to transfer management of Council-owned allotments to a new borough-wide self-management body.

The Council and Rotherham and District Allotments Association have worked together to review the current Allotments Service and explore possible alternative service models to drive long-term improvement.  This recognised the pressure the Service had been under since 2011 due to reduced public spending.  The Review has gathered evidence to support the assessment of options, including a survey of existing plot-holders, an audit of Council-owned allotment sites, and information about management models in place elsewhere in Britain.   Consequently, the Review has concluded that the adoption of a self-management model offers best prospects for Service improvement and involving allotment users more in this.

Whilst in support of the model put forward, Councillor Carter was of the view that this was of benefit to allotment holders now more appropriate management arrangements in place.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the new vision and specification for allotments be adopted.

(2)  That the transfer of management of Council-owned allotments to a new borough-wide self-management body be approved and authorisation be given to officers to work with Rotherham and District Allotments Association, Voluntary Action Rotherham and others to establish a Community Benefit Society.

Resolved:-  Councillor Hoddinott                        Seconder:-  Councillor Allen

Report of the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment

Cabinet Member:     Councillor Hoddinott

Commissioner:         Kenny (in advisory role)

Recommendations:-

1.    That the Council be recommended to adopt a new vision and specification for allotments, as proposed in this report.

2.    That the Council be recommended to approve the transfer of management of council-owned allotments to a new borough-wide self-management body, and authorises officers to work with Rotherham and District Allotments Association, Voluntary Action Rotherham and others to establish a Community Benefit Society for this purpose.

Consideration was given to a report which detailed how the Council and Rotherham and District Allotments Association have worked together to review the current allotments service and explore possible alternative service models to drive long-term improvement.  This recognised the pressure the service had been under since 2011 due to reduced public spending. 

The Rotherham and District Allotments Association (RaDAA) had embraced the opportunity to engage with the Council to jointly review how the allotment service was managed, and what steps might be taken to overcome current challenges, including remodelling the service to secure the best possible outcomes for allotment users within the limited available resources.

The review had gathered evidence to support the assessment of options, including a survey of existing plot-holders, an audit of Council-owned allotment sites, and information about management models in place elsewhere in Britain.   Consequently, the review had concluded that the adoption of a self-management model offered best prospects for service improvement and involving allotment users more in this.

This report had been considered by the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board as part of the pre-scrutiny process who were in support of the recommendations, subject to the Improving Places Select Commission receiving an update on the implementation of this project, at a time to be agreed by the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Select Commission.

Resolved:-  (1)  That Council adopt a new vision and specification for allotments, as proposed in this report.

(2)  That Council approve the transfer of management of Council-owned allotments to a new borough-wide self-management body, and authorises officers to work with Rotherham and District Allotments Association, Voluntary Action Rotherham and others to establish a Community Benefit Society for this purpose.

(3)  That the Improving Places Select Commission receiving an update on the implementation of this project, at a time to be agreed by the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Select Commission.

Cabinet Portfolio:                 Waste, Roads and Community Safety

Strategic Directorate:           Regeneration and Environment

Consideration was given to a report due to be determined at the Cabinet and Commissioners’ Decision Making Meeting on 9 July 2018 in respect of the introduction of a self-management arrangement for allotments owned by the Council.

It was reported that the Council and Rotherham and District Allotments Association had worked together to review the current allotments service and explored possible alternative service models to drive long-term improvement. This had recognised the pressure the service had been under since 2011 arising from reduced public spending. The review gathered evidence to support the assessment of options, including a survey of existing plot-holders, an audit of Council-owned allotment sites, and information about management models in place elsewhere in Britain. Consequently, the Review concluded that the adoption of a self-management model offered the best prospects for service improvement and involving allotment users.

Members were very supportive of the proposal and sought assurances in respect of the future work that was proposed to be undertaken to widen the demographics of people with allotments on council owned sites. Further assurances were sought in respect of roles and responsibilities in the context of the statutory function of the Council and it was confirmed that the proposals were designed to pass operational decisions to the proposed alliance.

In response to a question from Members, it was confirmed that public liability insurance will be covered by the Council under the proposed alliance arrangements.

Resolved:-

1.    That Cabinet be advised that the recommendations be supported.

2.    That Improving Places Select Commission receive an update on the implementation of this project, at a time to be agreed by the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Select Commission.