Charity Information
L.A. Role in Allotment Provision Discussed at Scottish Government Summit
11/05/2010 14:09:00
Ways of increasing the amount of land available for allotments in Scotland have been discussed at the first 'Growing Spaces' summit, held on 4 May at Falkland House, Fife. The summit was chaired by Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham, which was set-up as part of the Scottish Government's commitment to provide more support for 'grow your own' initiatives as part of The National Food and Drink Policy.
Key experts from across the private and public sector discussed legal and funding issues and looked at how communities could be helped to develop the skills needed to successfully work their own plots.
Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham said:
"We know that local authorities are struggling to meet a rise in demand for allotments and we're in discussions to make more land available for community growing projects. We're also publishing advice and guidance which will help public bodies, communities and individuals grow their own fruit and vegetables."
Local authorities have a duty to provide allotments if there is a proven need, however there are inevitable resource and prioritisation issues when a council is providing sites. This is set out in a number of statutes. The principle one is the Allotments (Scotland) Act 1892, as amended by the Land Settlement Scotland) Act 1919 and the Allotment (Scotland) Acts of 1922 and 1950. Allotment legislation in Scotland is different to that in England and does not give Ministers powers in relation to allotments and decisions of local authorities to close and dispose of sites in their ownership.
70 per cent of allotment sites are owned by local authorities, and there are currently around 3000 people on allotment waiting lists in Scotland. £2 million has been invested in 34 allotment and community garden sites through the Climate Challenge Fund.
In December 2009, The Scottish Government established the 'Grow Your Own Working Group' to look at the most effective ways to provide strategic support for grow your own initiatives. It is due to meet for a third time on 20 May 2010.
Key CoSLA representatives are on the Grow Your Own Working Group, and the Scottish Government says that an "open dialogue" is being maintained between CoSLA representatives and the Scottish Government on allotments provision.
Read the full Scottish Government press release here:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2010/05/04125011
Access the National Food and Drink Policy here:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Business-Industry/Food-Industry/national-strategy