Case study detail
One of Thurrock's allotments
Plotting for the future: the regeneration of Thurrock BC’s allotments
Contributed by:
Maria Arnold
Organisation:
SDC
Publication of any case study does not imply an endorsement of its merit by the Sustainable Development Commission.
Is this case study truly sustainable?
Review it now!
Average Rating: 4.5
Read the reviews for this case study
Are you the author of this casestudy? Update it now.
In 2002, 60% of Thurrock Borough Council’s local allotments were unoccupied. In order to increase the level of occupation and also help the Council with budget savings, a move to self-management was agreed upon by both the Council and plot holders. After an initial investment of £200,000, the move resulted in average savings of £70,000 a year for the Council.
Additional images
Click to see a slideshow of these images
Overview
 | Supported by CIPFA, the LGA and the IDeA, Financing Local Futures is a web-based resource designed to help those involved in local government financial decision-making to develop their own organisations' contributions to sustainable development. |
Sustainable Development Benefits:
Improved biodiversity, reduction in food miles, conservation of local resources, reduction in waste, health benefits, improved local community relations, social inclusion, environmental education opportunities.
Financial Savings:
£70,000 year-on-year efficiency savings
Mechanism/Lever:
Invest to save.
In 2002, 60% of Thurrock BC’s allotments were left uncultivated and the usage of association-managed plots was declining by about 10% per year. This was the result of a history of poor engagement and consultation with its plot holders.
To remedy this situation, members agreed to explore alternative ways to deliver the service. A method of self-management was agreed upon by all parties whereby plot holders formed “Allotment Associations”, and the management of 24 of the 28 allotment sites owned by Thurrock were transferred to 23 of these associations.
The Council invested £200,000 to improve the security and facilities of the allotment sites which were then leased to each association for £25 annually per site.
This initial investment has lead to significant savings for the Council - prior to the introduction of the scheme it had spent around £120,000 annually maintaining the allotment sites. As a result of the self-management plan, these costs have been reduced to just £50,000, a yearly saving of £70,000. The scheme has also lead to an assortment of non-financial benefits:
- various plot holders have built water funnels to collect rain water, thereby minimizing the use of natural resources
- composting bins have been built helping to reduce the amount of waste produced and lowering the Council’s waste disposal costs
- the project has been applauded for improving local community relations, as the plots now attract people from various ethnic backgrounds and age groups.
The Allotment Steering Group is now part of Thurrock Council of Voluntary Service and has become a powerful consultation group, which is helping the Council maintain and develop green space and community gardens.
‘Self-management not only benefits the council, as we can use the money else where, but also the plot holders.’ Luke Love, Horticultural Manager.
Key features
governance
local government
Key data
Project Team:
Cost:
Local Authority: Thurrock Borough Council
Links
Rate this case study
