(1)

recommendation (1) that the panel support all efforts being made to find additional land for allotment plots and recommend all channels are explored including direct discussions with public and private land owners e.g. the National Trust, is noted;

(2)

in response to recommendation (2) that officers establish the funding available in the medium term to contribute towards the allotment service from capital receipts and Section 106 monies, the panel is advised that parks services’ officers will progress development opportunities and seek funding for allotments from developments when they arise;

(3)

in response to recommendation (3) that rents are reviewed on an annual basis but any rent increase should not be such to disadvantage enterprise and other groups using the allotments (for example schools, community groups, groups with special needs, those on low incomes and also making good use of the neighbourhood profiles), the panel is advised that allotment rents are reviewed and benchmarked nationally. Before any price increases were implemented, an Equality Impact Assessment would be carried out to consider the impact on any groups;

(4)

in response to recommendation (4) that a review of the plot sizes is undertaken, the panel is advised that it has been found that half plots are more useful for allotment holders and are preferred by them. Officers are progressing the issuing of half plots when full plots become available and all new plots dedicated on all sites are half plots.