We’re contacting all allotment holders about the changes to rents and concessions that’ll be coming into effect from 2024. In case you’ve missed this communication, here’s a summary of changes.

There have been no changes to rents since YACIO took over running the allotments from the Council in 2017. It had hoped to avoid an increase for 2024. Unfortunately, due to the high rate of inflation, YACIO’s costs have risen, for example we are paying substantially more for grass and hedge cutting. As a result, so that we can continue to maintain the allotments there will be a small overall increase in rents for all tenants from next year. The new rates for 2024 will be (current rent in brackets): quarter plots £25 (£24); half plots £50 (£48); full plots £100 (£96); extra large plots £135 (£130).

In addition, there will also be some changes to concessionary rents. At present a concessionary rent providing a 40% discount is available to those in receipt of state pension or universal credit, those registered as disabled and full time students. As from 2024 these concessions will no longer apply. Instead an increased concessionary rate of 50% will be introduced and be available to any tenant in receipt of a means tested benefit. This does however mean that those in receipt of state pension will no longer be automatically entitled to a concession unless receiving a means tested benefit.

Trustees have thought long and hard about these changes. Although it is appreciated that some tenants will pay more as a result of the concession alterations, we believe the adjustments are fair and will help make allotments more affordable for many people. It also helps YACIO ensure it can continue to maintain and develop the allotments for the benefit of all tenants. The changes were also discussed at the Annual General Meeting and endorsed by the majority of members (tenants) present.

We would also like to emphasise that any tenant who feels they are genuinely going to struggle to pay their rental fees (whether or not they are in receipt of a benefit), can apply for a concession, in complete confidentiality, by contacting YACIO. We do not want any tenant to give up their plot because they can’t afford it.

It is over 10 years since City of York Council held a Best Kept Plot Competition for allotment tenants. To celebrate the diversity of York’s allotment sites and the dedication of allotment gardeners, we are launching a new allotment competition this year.

Categories

There will be two categories of plots:

1. New tenants: for gardeners who took on their plot since January 2022
2. Established tenants: for gardeners who took on their plot before January 2022

For more information and to enter your plot click here.

YACIO has been approached by a student from York University with a view to plot holders taking part in a survey, which is part of his dissertation work.

Harry Matthew Partridge is a 3rd year student studying BSc Environment, Economics and Ecology. His research is on Allotment holder perceptions of nature-provisioning features on allotment sites: barriers and opportunities.

Further details about his research and the survey can be found on the link below.

https://york.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3sLHk8xrR9wNtrw

Prize Draw – Plot Holders who complete the survey will have an option, at the end, to submit their email address and enter in a prize draw, for £50 gardening supplies from a local garden centre/nursery.

If you wish to help this young man in his studies please complete the survey as soon as possible but no later than mid-Feb.

Thank you.