Our allotment rental invoice!

[Catherine]

We have had our allotment invoice. We have had, for about 10 years, a starter plot, about four years ago we took on the plot below. At the time there were lots of plots not being used on our site.

Our first plot was really bad when we took it on. We had to put fencing and drainage in and then do raised beds. When we took the second half plot on and again it was very rough with loads of weeds, rushes etc. Again we fenced, drained and weeded it.

We put a polytunnel on it and a shed on the first plot.

Now my complaint is that the plot next to us is ONE plot, it is the same size as our TWO plots and they pay one rent and one water rate, we pay two plots and two water rates. Some of the other plots on our allotment are larger, wider and longer, than our two plots but they are charged for one plot.

My OH will not complain about our charges in case we lose our plot or are charged more. But I am cross that we are charged for two half plots plus two water rates when the next door plot is not.

I know that if two people had the two plots they wouold get the full amount but we have had this for many years and have vastly improved the plots so why are we penalised.

[oldherbaceous]

Dear Catherine, now that does sound rather unfair.
Is there anyone that you know on the committee that ou could have a quiet word with.

[Catherine]

I have mentioned it to several people, we dont have a committee, they seemed to think I ought to put up and shut up. But every year I feel the need to complain.

[Beryl]

Are they council owned plots?
If so I would have a quiet word with them. Worth pointing out its probably an over-sight on their part. (not a complaint)
You now have one full plot which ever way you look at it.
They do make mistakes like anyone else after all.

Best of luck
Beryl.

[Suzie]

I, too, would query it Catherine - fingers crossed it is an oversight and they fix it for you.

[Beryl]

Just another point. If your council is like ours invoices usually come from the Finance Dept but the allotments are run by Leisure Services and if the right info is not passed from one dept. to another this is where problems occur.

Beryl.

[Catherine]

Sorry but my computer has been off for a couple of days. The bill comes from the Parish Council and they know that these are two plots which are supposed to be starter plots. So if two people took two separate plots then they would get the money for both plots and two water rates. Just because one couple has both plots they get charged for two plots.

[Beryl]

Oh Catherine I am totally confused. Still think its worth a quiet word.
Surely you couldn't be evicted for getting things put right.

Beryl.

[glallotments]

Are you a member of the NSALG as I'm sure they would be able to advise.

[sally wright]

Dear Catharine,
is the water rate the same for a starter plot and a full sized one? I am assuming that the plot rents are different so are the water rates different.
regards Sally wright.

[glallotments]

On our site the water rates are exactly the same whether for half or full plots!!!

[Catherine]

Afraid they are the same no matter what size of plot you have.