The cost of renting a Bradford Council-run allotment space is set to rise as the authority remains on the edge of bankruptcy. 

The Council revealed the new charge following a review into allotment rental charges for 2024/25. 

"We’ve had to take the difficult decision to increase charges due a significant increase in costs across the service," the Council wrote in correspondence sent to allotment users.

Now, from April 1, 2024, anyone looking to rent allotment space in Bradford district will have to pay £101.00 per plot.

The full annual fee equates to a cost of £1.94 per week. 

Changes to Bradford Council's allotment fees

The letter said: "In our view, we believe that this still represents good value for those committed to growing in Bradford.

"Following a review of concessionary rents, there will also be some changes to the concessions we apply, which will bring us inline with those offered by other local authorities."

At present, a concessionary rent providing a discount is available to the following groups: Pensionable Age; Disability; Unemployed; Students; Charities; Allotment Associations and Site Representatives.

From April 1, 2024, only the following concessions will apply:

  • Pensioners in receipt of a means tested benefit (Pension Credit)
  • Unemployed and in receipt of Universal Credit or legacy benefit
  • Disability and in receipt of Universal Credit
  • ESA (enhanced or severe disability premium)
  • Legacy benefit

This does mean that those in receipt of state pension will no longer be automatically entitled to a concession unless they are receiving a means tested benefit.

Those affected by this change should contact the Council's allotment team by emailing allotments.asset@bradford.gov.uk or ringing 01274 432247.

Anyone currently in receipt of a concession due to pensionable age will be required to provide evidence that they are in receipt of a means tested benefit (Pension Credit) in order for them to retain the reduced rate.