The cost of renting a local authority allotment in an East Lancashire borough is set to rise.

Hyndburn Council's cabinet has been recommended to bring in an increase from January 1, 2025.

The price for renting one of its allotments will rise from 25 pence a square metre to 28.5 pence.

The minimum plot charge will also increase from £50 a year to £55 a year.

A report to today's (WED) cabinet meeting by borough environment boss, Cllr Steven Smithson, says: "During 2012 the council consulted with the allotment tenants.

"83 per cent of those responding said rent should be increased regularly in small amounts rather than a single large increase at irregular intervals.

"Allotment rents are charged by calendar year.

"The minimum charge is the lowest amount of rent charged per plot regardless of plot size.

"Prior to 2014 the allotment rents had not been increased since 2006 and were amongst the lowest in England.

"Between 2006 and 2014 the annual allotment rents were charged at an average of 7.5 pence per square metre

"The council has a legal duty to notify tenants 12 months in advance of an allotment rent increase. To facilitate the January 1, 2025 rent increase, allotment tenants must be advised by the December 31, 2023.

"The council's allotment service is operated ‘cost neutral’ without profit.

"Having taken into account inflationary pressures for 2024/2025, and increased council costs, the recommended rent increase will enable the council to continue to provide the present ‘cost neutral’ service level.

"The allotment rent charged by Hyndburn remains similar when compared to the rents presently charged by Hyndburn’s immediate neighbours Blackburn with Darwen and Burnley Councils of 28 pence and 30 pence per square metre in 2023.

"The council has taken into account the long-term financial sustainability of the allotments; the nature, quality and cost of facilities provided, including the cost of maintenance; and expenditure on management and administration.

The allotment resource includes special provisions with raised beds and ‘easy access’ beds on a number of sites and accessible and manageable plots of small sizes at Meadoway, Norden, Woodnook, Heys and Peel Park."