The AGM is a good time for the members for the Association to discuss the annual bills from the Association to members
The cost of living is a constantly going up which means that members will have less money to spend on everything including their allotments, but also the Association has to pay higher costs for skips or roadstone or water etc and needs to balance its books
Increases in the annual bill have been kept low for a couple of years
I suggest this AGM is the right time for the members to consider whether the annual bill should be increased from October
One option is for the annual bills to increase by about 6% which would be as follows:
An average plot of about 375 sq metres has been charged at £79.00 for this year to September 2025
This includes rent of £48.90 and water of £30.10
If the water charge was increased to £31.50 and the rent to £52.50, then the total bill for an average plot would be £84.00, a total increase of £5.00 or about 6%
The rent of £52.50 is approximately equivalent to 14p per sq metre, the bill for each plot is based on the number of sq metres on the plot
Larger plots therefore have a larger bill than smaller plots, but all plots are charged at the same cost per square metre
The AGM is an occasion when members can have their say on important issues such as the annual rent bill
I hope to see you at the AGM on Saturday where I encourage you to share your views
Dave Kirkham
Chairman
Old Park Farm Garden Holders Association 