Allotment users urge council to scrap price hike

Secretary of St Thomas Allotments Association, Becky Wells, said the increase could put off people

Allotment users have urged a council to not increase the cost of plots, as they say some people could struggle to pay.

Exeter City Council plans to increase the price of allotments by about 40%.

The local authority launched a consultation on the matter which ends on Friday.

The council said "Exeter’s allotments represent good value for money" and a plot, of 25 sq m, with water would increase from £8.35 to £11.80 per annum, and without water from £6.65 to £10.05.

The consultation on the planed price increase ends on Friday

Becky Wells, secretary of the St Thomas Allotments Association, said: "The increase isn't a huge amount in itself, but taken across the board, it means they [users] do their sums and think can I afford to do this?

"For some people who are considering whether they actually put food on the table, will they turn the heating on, you know that sort of thing."

Rob Shields, an allotment holder, said that some older people at the site were concerned they would not be able to keep their allotment if rent prices increased.

An Exeter City Council spokesperson said: “We contacted all allotment holders to inform them of the proposals and to hear their views.

"We very much value allotments and the contribution that they make to health and wellbeing and managing family budgets.

"Exeter’s allotments represent good value for money.

"If the proposed changes go ahead, this will represent a 16p increase per week over two years for an average plot.

"This is very reasonable when comparing costs to many other local authorities.”