Notes on the Second Meeting on the "Future for Allotments Report" hosted by the Local Government Association, 23 October 1998
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Notes on the Second Meeting on the "Future for Allotments Report" hosted by the Local Government Association, 23 October 1998 |
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Introduction ... These notes have been placed in the QED Virtual Potting Shed as a service to allotment and community gardeners who wish to make a contribution to the debates which follow on from the publication of "The Future for Allotments" Report. The Local Government Association has asked for any comments from allotment associations and allotment holders to be channeled through the NSALG and NFCF rather than being sent directly to the LGA. The postal addresses of both organisations are appended. Alternatively, you may send a response by e-mail to the QED Website: all e-mails will be passed on to NSALG, NFCF, relevant members of the LGA group and (unless an instruction is given to the contrary) to the kitchen.gardens e-mail group. The Notes ... Present:
1. Two options for progressing work on allotments best practice were discussed. The first was to do the work through the working group and the second to prepare a brief for consultants to do the work provided appropriate funding partners can be found. 2. It was felt that the second option would be preferable. However, any brief would have to be sufficiently detailed to ensure that consultants, who may not be conversant with allotment issues, can get underway quickly and require minimal supervision. 3. The LGA proposed to develop its paper further for the next meeting in order that progress can be examined to make a more informed decision on which areas of work need to be progressed through a research project (funds permitting) and which can be done in-house. The paper would also serve as a draft interim strategic statement on the recommended approach to allotments. This would fit in with any timetable for gaining LGMB funding in any case. this was agreed. 4. One of the important aspects of the work will be to establish how the process of improving allotments' place in local governance begins and works, and on what factors it depends. 5. A series of regional consultative meetings was suggested to gain a better understanding of the issues and initiatives in different areas. The LGA will investigate this further. 6. The group discussed the draft LGA paper and highlighted organisations to be contacted and sources of information to be followed-up with regard to the different roles of allotments in local communities. 7. There is a general need which will be reflected in the next draft of the paper prepared by the LGA to refer to Best Value and the New Duty to meet the Social, Economic and Environmental well-being of local communities. 8. The LGA agreed to inform the NSALG when consultation draft Planning Policy Guidance Note 3 is made available. 9. The LGA agreed to supply a list of relevant journals and contacts which could be approached for the placement of articles on successful initiatives on the different roles of allotments. 10. The LGA will check what has been done on allotments with regard to Best Value service pilots. 11. On consolidating legislation, it was agreed that it would probably be a very time-consuming and confusing process to undertake, and might divert from the more important task of improving best practice. Also the current work may reveal further changes needed to legislation which should be promoted together with the need for consolidation. Two separate legislative exercises would probably not be supported by Government. It was agreed to talk to the Statute Law Revision Society to see what they are offering but to await the outcome of work on allotments best practice before examining options for legislative change. 12. Members of the working group agreed to contribute papers and information by 15 December 1998, on the following topics:
Date of next meeting It was agreed that following receipt of papers, the LGA would distribute them to the group before the next meeting. This will be held on 12 February 1999 at 10.30am. UPDATE (12/1/99): The next meeting has been postponed until 3 March 1999.
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