The allotment forum held on the 22nd was a great disappointment. The agenda item about fees and charges review told us practically nothing. No one seemed to know what the rent increase for the period Oct 2021 to March 2022 was going to be, usually inflation, currently about 2.5%, even though the invoices should be going out within the next two weeks.
What we did learn was that all the lobbying in relation to the hike in prices on the 1st April 2022 was a waste of time. It would appear that the Council is going ahead with the proposed rates for Hounslow residents, £120 for 10 rod and £60 for 5 rod plots and the out of borough residents charge will now be in the region of £210 – down from the original £ 250.
The concession for those tenants over sixty will be 35% but will NOT apply to out of borough tenants.
The increase on out of borough rates will be phased in over three years. No explanation as to how this will be applied. The Council are also exploring tenants being able to pay monthly by direct debit.
The future rents for Hounslow residents only, will be increased annually by inflation.
We were told that all tenants will receive a letter shortly explaining everything.
The whole matter will go the Council cabinet in November for rubber stamping.
It was disappointing that some members of the forum wanted the Council to see proof of residence for some tenants as it was believed that out of borough tenants were giving friends addresses in Hounslow to claim the concession. Some even wanted the Council to be shown evidence that tenants were over 60. I vehemently disagreed and said it would be administrative nightmare to implement when they cannot even get it right with the current system.
Just a reminder that the rent for Hounslow residents from the 1st April 2022 will be £60 for 5 rods and £120 for 10 rods. If you qualify for the 35% concession it will be £39 and £78 respectively. These include water charges.
The Council can proceed with this increase in the knowledge that the current waiting lists in Chiswick is 251 with only 24 plots available.
So, if you have a plot in Chiswick, you are being well and truly made to suffer. Proposed road closures will make it more difficult to get to your plots and the rent increases will add to the misery.
The increased rent for out of borough residents seems sensible to me, especially given the number of applicants for allotments. Surely it should be borough residents first. Also agree that proof should be given of address and age, given the possibility of some tenants trying to cheat the process.