Labour is demanding changes to the controversial rent increases for allotments that Bristol City Council is trying to push through. As reported yesterday, plot owners are threatening to go on rent strike if the proposed increases are implemented, as costs would in some cases more than double.
Now Labour, effectively the main opposition group, has submitted an amendment to the Public Health and Local Government Committee, which is due to make a decision on Friday, August 23. The party originally agreed to the price increases at a cabinet meeting in March, when it had a majority on the city council under former mayor Marvin Rees.
The Greens challenged the decision while in opposition, during a ‘call-in’ process that resulted in the plans being halted ahead of a reconsideration after the local elections in May, in which the Greens became the largest group and took over the running of the authority in the new committee system. Deputy chair of the Public Health and Local Government Committee, Cllr Emily Clarke (Labour, Bedminster), said the proposals were a ‘step backwards’ on those agreed by Cabinet five months ago, including introducing the new fees all at once, rather than spreading them over two years as previously decided.
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She said: “Under the new proposals, 100 per cent of the rent increase will be implemented in September 2025. Labour councillors tabled an amendment to the proposed increase in September 2025 to ensure that the tiered increase – as originally proposed by Labour and omitted from the new report – is retained, meaning only 50 per cent of the increase will be paid for the 2025/26 year before the new system is considered.
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“In addition, Labour is proposing the introduction of a hardship fund/remission for those tenants who cannot afford the increases if they do not qualify for current rebates. Changes proposed by the previous Labour Government included a 50 per cent rebate for those in receipt of Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and council tax relief, and allowed tenants to pay monthly or quarterly rather than annually.
“We are pleased that these changes are being brought before the committee.” A petition against the rent increases organised by allotment holders has received more than 6,800 signatures, well above the threshold required for a debate in the full council in March.
Annual charges for the most common plot size of 75 to 149 square metres are set to rise from £50 to £89, including water charges. Other charges will more than double, such as for plots between 150 and 224 square metres from £70 to £156, and for plots between 225 and 349 square metres from £85 to £178. The council says the increases are necessary because income from rents falls far short of covering the cost of the service.
