Summary 2010
This survey of the allotment waiting lists held by the English principal local authorities is an
update of a similar survey carried out 12 months ago.
All 323 English principal authorities were surveyed. The main findings were
■
321 (99.4%) authorities gave a complete response to the survey questions■
222 (69%) of these held waiting list data■
this data was for a total of 3,791 allotment sites (averaging 17 sites per council)■
these allotment sites contained 158,796 plots (averaging 42 plots per site)■
the waiting lists for these plots totaled 94,124 people■
Compared to the similar survey 12 months ago
this is an average of 59 people waiting for every 100 plots.■
increase)
the average waiting list has increased from 49 to 59 people waiting per 100 plots (a 20%■
there is no sign that the increase in demand for allotments is slowing down■
the total waiting lists for sites where data was available increased from 76,330 to 94,124■
There are some considerable uncertainties around the total figures, but the increase in
waiting list numbers is probably a fairly accurate estimate because the methodologies of the
two surveys are similar.
In conclusion, waiting lists for allotments are long and getting longer. Even at a time of
budgetary restraint, a strong argument can be made for a large increase in allotment
provision because:
■
new greener low-carbon economy
food grown on allotments means fewer food miles, and could be an important part of the■
allotment sites often provide a focus for a community, and improve community cohesion■
growing one’s own food is an important part of a healthy-eating programme■
allotments offer a productive activity for the unemployed■
some time
local and national government reports have been promoting the benefits of allotments for■ local authorities have a statutory duty to provide sufficient allotments
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