August 29, 2014

Allotment holders win rents victory

Last year, Leeds City Council announced that it planned to raise the rent from £38.50 a year to £58 in 2014 and £72 in 2016.

Leeds and District Allotment Gardeners Federation (LDAGF) challenged the rise through a judicial review and a High Court ruling on 5 August found that the council’s decision to increase the rents was unlawful.

L&DAGF represents around 50 local self-governing allotment sites, about half of all sites in the Leeds area, and also has members on city council-controlled sites.

Its secretary Judy Turley said: “The case was not brought lightly by the federation, but unfortunately efforts to engage Leeds City Council in meaningful discussions were not successful and we felt there was no option but to resort to the judicial review process.

“The federation has worked with Leeds City Council since 1917 and has enjoyed a good co-operative working relationship. We look forward to recommencing that relationship with Leeds City Council to continue to develop the management and provision of allotments in Leeds.”

A council spokeswoman said: "We will now be considering an appeal, while assessing the judge's comments and bringing a report back to our September executive board."

Disputes inevitably occur from time to time and the vast majority can be resolved at an early stage. At Royds, we recognise that in most cases, court action should be used only as a last resort – to save the time, money and anxiety that this may cause individuals and organisations with limited resources – and our experienced dispute resolution team can provide an expert assessment of the most effective way to resolve the issue, including alternative dispute resolution such as mediation, arbitration or adjudication. For more information, please visit or contact Chris Rodda.

Share on: