Agenda item

To consider an update in respect of self-management of allotments by the Rotherham Allotment Alliance.

Consideration was given to an annual report and presentation in respect of progress in self-management of the Council’s allotments by the Rotherham Allotments Alliance (RAA). The report was presented by the Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion, the Green Spaces Manager and representatives of the Rotherham Allotments Alliance. The Cabinet Member noted all the work that had been done throughout the year by the RAA and thanked the representatives for their hard work to ensure the success of the model which had been adopted. The model allowed allotment holders with close knowledge of their allotments to take control of their own allotment environments. A key element in 2021, and even more this year, had been involving local groups and reinvesting in the community. The RAA year ran from January to December, and recent progress had been made in improving web presence, undertaking and completing projects, and preparing the way for the the upcoming head lease agreement.

Performance Indicators had been requested from the RAA as part of the Service Level Agreement that runs alongside the self-management model. It was noted that Lowfield was the only site that was not fully tenanted. The forward plan for 2023 included preparing this site ready for letting. Getting rid of asbestos had been a significant challenge, which had been addressed using the moneys the authority had put aside. It was also noted that the process of preparing the lease to be signed had been protracted. The Administrator of the RAA worked with local Elected Members where possible to coordinate efforts, including the thirteen site societies that collaborate with the RAA.

The RAA used portable, battery-operated CCTV cameras to alleviate instances of vandalism. The RAA work to ensure allotment holders know their responsibilities, and if allotment holders breached the law, the RAA reported this. Improvement works to a number of sites were described, including extensive waste removal. Part of what the RAA was trying to do was general education and encouragement of allotment holders of how to make the best use of sites for growing fruit and vegetables for families, and not for piling plastic rubbish and wood. Photographs were presented depicting overgrown conditions that had been rectified through the efforts of the RAA. Community payback services had saved resources, and a further approach that had been successful was taking on smaller plots which some holders find more manageable. The RAA had been reaching out to community groups.

In discussion, the Chair noted the nearly full sites and new plots being developed. The community payback scheme had also been a boon to the RAA community that had become accessible under the self-management model. It was felt that this was an example of strong partnership working.

Members requested further information about how the RAA worked with schools. The response from RAA representatives noted that they work with schools. A nursery had taken a plot on the site. Limitations around the powers of the RAA to lease a plot to schools were discussed. It was noted that the local authority retains the statutory designation as allotment authority.

Further details were requested in respect of a specific site on Psalter Lane. The response from representatives of the RAA was that this site had been considered for incorporation into the RAA, but the site sadly was well known for fly tipping. It therefore posed a significant cost risk to the RAA to take on. The site inspections were undertaken every six months. Usually, these were done personally by the Chair or the Administrator, and any rubbish found on the sites was addressed with the plot holder responsible to remedy the issue.

Members noted that the capital allocated by the local authority was coming to an end and requested additional information around the forward financial plans. The response from the RAA representatives noted the external funding from place, as well as the lottery. The RAA administrator had recently attended workshops to develop the potential of applications for further exernal funding opportunities. The small surplus from the year before last had been deployed to pay for clearance projects. The funding for extra projects and waste removal had come from this year’s revenue fund, and the RAA had been able to do even more. At the end of the year, the exact amount left over to be carried over was known. A wooded site at Swinton had been leased as a pasture. The RAA also had been able to put aside ten percent for reserves. The directors had been putting in their own time wherever possible, whilst ensuring health and safety risk assessments are in place and any hazards accounted for. This meant that next year, the RAA would deliver significant savings again by doing things themselves.

The Chair noted the importance of allotments, given the implications of rising cost of living and potential mental health benefits. Members also noted the importance of links with Ward Members for support.

Resolved:-

1.    That the progress of the transfer be noted.

2.    That the comments of Members in respect of the arising issues be noted.