New study published on allotment waiting lists

[transitionallotments]

We have released a report this week on a study of allotment waiting lists in England.

Very briefly, the study looked at those sites managed by all of the principal English councils, and had a response rate of 99%. It showed that on average, for every 100 established plots there are now 49 people on waiting lists. In the last major study in 1997 there were only 4 people waiting for every 100 plots in England.

You probably all know that councils have a statutory duty to provide sufficient allotments, yet this clearly is not happening. In response to questions and debates about this in Parliament, Ministers simply repeat that councils have a duty to assess need in their area and provide sufficient allotments where neccessary. They point out that the Government issues clear guidelines to this effect and that further Government input is therefore unnecessary.

The increase in demand for allotments reflects the rising interest in locally grown food, and healthy eating. Investment by Local Authorities and Central Government would support these aspirations and be consistent with supporting an economy in recession, offering a productive activity for the unemployed, supporting community cohesion and reducing carbon dioxide emissions through reduced food miles.

This study offers evidence to question the effectiveness of the Government's current approach and an opportunity to put allotments back on the agenda in Parliament. We have written to our MP to ask for his support.

The report can be found at:
http://www.transitiontownwestkirby.org. ... vey_09.pdf
The individual council responses can be viewed on the website http://www.WhatDoTheyKnow.com,
and a spreadsheet containing the responses is available at
http://www.transitiontownwestkirby.org. ... sts_09.xls

[PlayingWithFire]

Thanks for this.

Any idea what is the situation in Scotland?

I'm a fan of Transition Towns so it is good to be in contact with you.

All the best!

[transitionallotments]

I'm sorry that I have no factual information about the situation in Scotland, but judging from internet traffic it sounds similar.

It does appear, however, that the Scottish Government are more interested in it and seem to be looking for solutions short of providing funding.