Dear Sir/Madam,
Increased Allotment Charges
Although I welcome combining the water rates (a new and additional charge the Council recently introduced, which I don’t disagree to) with the annual rent, I’m not happy with the near-doubling increase of rents, and am particularly concerned by the threatened introduction of means testing for those over 65: means testing for other government benefits has proved to be a regressive step, with many, particularly older, residents missing out on the benefits they’re entitled to because of issues of pride, self-sufficiency, etc.
Very many allotment holders are well over the retirement age and are, therefore, on a fixed and relatively lower income which – unlike civil servant pensions – is rarely increased in line with inflation. With many allotment holders now in their 70s, 80s and (in a few rare cases) 90s, any increase in costs might prove difficult to afford and adversely affect the “health, well-being and stronger communities” of those people who will struggle to afford such an increase.
Many of these elderly people rely on their allotments not just for healthy outdoors exercise, but also to escape the social isolation they otherwise experience. As Chairman of the Chiswick Horticultural & Allotments Society, I know only too well how important the allotments and our Society’s community centre are for providing an important means of social interaction for potentially very lonely and vulnerable people.
I understand the Council’s desperate need for increasing its income, but as Hounslow is leading the way for the UK in the integration of health, social care and the voluntary sector, I would caution against any such regressive taxation which has such potential danger for compromising the heath and mental wellbeing of this more isolated and vulnerable section of the population.
But rather than just being critical about a fee increase, may I suggest a possible alternative:
The Council, together with Hounslow Voluntary Sector Support Service, have recently launched a Just Giving initiative as a way of encouraging the public’s financial support for worthy causes; I believe supporting allotments is a worthy cause, too and if you’re willing to try my suggestion, at least at first as a potential alternative, I’d be very happy to help to promote such a fundraising exercise both amongst our approx. 600 members and, indeed, amongst the wider Hounslow population by assisting the Council’s communications team with a high-profile media campaign which has the potential to raise even more money than the proposed fee increase.
I hope you will accept this alternative suggestion and I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards,
Henry L Gewanter
Chairman
Chiswick Horticultural & Allotments Society
Tel: +44-(0)20-7353-1619
Mobile/Cell: +44-(0)7774-228845
Fax: +44-(0)20-7427-0777
Thank you, dear Aileen, I always try my best to help our members in whatever way I can – and very much appreciate your kind words of support.
Kind regards,
Henry
Dear Henry,
I no longer have an allotment, so the increased proposed charges on rents won’t affect me. But I do hope Hounslow Council reconsider their proposals re increased charges, especially re means testing. I think your letter is very well worded.
Aileen