Fwd: [leeds_permaculture_network] Allotments under threat

[Graeme Dow]

Hello Everyone,

THE THREAT:
The Government has announced a "Review of statutory duties", aimed at
identifying and removing duties from local authorities which are a "burden".
One of the duties they are considering removing is the duty to provide
sufficient number of allotments for people in the area who want one. This
means ALL allotments, including existing ones, not just new ones.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Look at the Government's web page on "Review of statutory duties placed on
local government"
athttp://www.communities.gov.uk/localgovernment/decentralisation/tacklingburdens/reviewstatutoryduties/.
Then fill in the "Statutory duties webform" which is in the top right-hand
corner, or go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GP7BKKT . Time is short. We
have only until 25 April.

The form is a bit confusing, so I have included (below) some model answers
which you can use, or write your own. But do fill in the form!

Best regards,
Joe Foster, Chair
Hollin Lane Allotments, Leeds
http://hollinlaneallotments.org/

Answers for the Statutory duties webform:

1. Please quote the reference number for the duty or duties you are
commenting on.

DCLG_136

2. What does this duty help local authorities to achieve?

Provide sufficient number of allotments for those in their area that want
one.

3. Does undertaking this duty present local authorities with a burden?

NO

4. In your opinion, could this duty be removed?

NO

5. What are the particular benefits of this duty being removed and who would
benefit?


6. What do you consider are the adverse effects of removing this duty and
who would this affect?

We could lose many allotments just at a time they have become hugely popular
in
many sections of the community, and when were are increasingly concerned
about
the need for more exercise and a healthy diet for individuals, and about
food security
for the nation.

7. Are you aware of any guidance - statutory or non-statutory - associated
regulations or powers that are associated with this duty? If so please list
them here.

Non statutory guidance: "Allotments: A plot holders' guide" at
http://www.farmgarden.org.uk/ari/resources/allotments-a-plotholders-guide-new-edition-mainmenu-151

8. In your opinion are powers and/or guidance helpful or do they create a
burden?

The guidance is helpful.

9. Would you like to add any general comments about this particular duty?

Local government allotment provision has functioned well and at very little
expense for many years.
The benefits to the public are difficult to measure, but must be
substantial, and reach beyond allotment
holders and their families to the community at large.
 
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