The cost of space the 20 allotments across Reading are set to increase according to proposals drawn up by the council.
A consultation with allotment holders and those on the waiting list will be held first, but the changes are due to come into effect from April 2025, and include adjustments to rent and discount levels, tenancy agreements and waste collection charges from allotments.
The council is seeking opinions on the proposed increases in rent, reductions to the level of discounts to qualifying residents, and encouraging plotholders to responsibly manage their waste.
The council said the possible increase in revenue from these changes will lead to investment in site maintenance, tenancy management and to support the ongoing development of joint and society management of sites.
Plotholders and those on allotment waiting lists are being asked:
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“Does your allotment plot give you good value for money now and how much does your allotment produce save you on your household food bills?”
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“Which of the proposed allotment rent levels is most acceptable to you?”
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“What types of people do you think should benefit from Discounts on their allotment rent?”
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“What levels of Discount should we offer plotholders?”
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“If your rent increased, do you still think your allotment plot offers you good value for money?”
The questions are being asked of the 1,200 plotholders and 900 neighbours on allotment plot waiting lists in Reading.
One of the questions states that the standard rate for a 125-metre plot is £40.50 a year, which is drastically reduced to £3.50 if a tenant has a discretionary discount.
There are six allotment sites in Caversham, three sites in Southcote, three in Tilehurst, two in Whitley and one each in Katesgrove, Coley and East Reading.
The council also has the allotments in Church Road, Earley in its list, despite these plots being in Wokingham Borough.
Demand for plots are high, with the longest waiting list being for the Caversham Court allotments, with 247 people being on the list at the last count in November 2022.
The longest time to wait for a plot is six years and three months, for the allotments at Oakley Road in Caversham.
The consultation on the changes closes on Saturday, December 16, and it is on the Consult Reading website.
