The cost of renting an allotment from an East Lancashire local authority is set to increase.

Hyndburn Council's cabinet meeting on Wednesday has been recommended to approve the rises for 2026 and 2027.

Sustainability boss Cllr Kate Walsh will ask her senior colleagues to approve an increase in allotment rents from 28.5 pence per square metre to 30 pence per square metre from January 1, 2026, and then to 32 pence per square metre from January 1, 2027.

She also recommends the minimum plot charge be increased from January 1, 2026, from £55 a year to £60, and that from January 1, 2027, it should go up to £65 a year.

The proposed rises have been accepted as reasonable by Cath Holmes, chair of the Hyndburn Federation of Allotments, and Conservative group opposition leader Cllr Zak Khan.

Cllr Walsh's report says: "During 2012 the council consulted with the allotment tenants, and 83 per cent of those responding said rent should be increased regularly in small amounts rather than single large increments at irregular intervals.

"Since 2014 the council has progressively increased the allotment rents in small annual increments to ensure that the annual rate of increase is kept reasonable. Allotment rents are charged by calendar year.

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

"The council's allotment service is operated without profit.

"Having taken into account inflationary pressures in financial years 2026-2027 and 2027-2028, the recommended rent increase will enable the council to continue to provide the present ‘cost neutral’ service level.

"The following rents are charged by the nearest neighbouring local authorities in 2025: Blackburn with Darwen 28 pence per square metre and Burnley 31 per cent square metre.

"It is reasonable to conclude that the proposed rent increase is consistent when compared to other local authorities.

"Cath Holmes, chair of the Hyndburn Federation of Allotments, holds no objections to the proposed rent increase and has said The rent remains one of the lowest in the area and low in comparison to rents charged in other areas of the UK.”

Cllr Khan said: "The rent collected is to cover costs, as the council doesn't operate the service at a profit.

"The service remains one of the cheapest, and for as long as the service is being invested in and delivered at a high standard so tenants get what they pay for in return.

"I understand the need to increase rents slightly to offset growing costs."