Allotment prices in Sheffield set to rise again

The council said “favourable” rents in recent years have resulted in a “significant” decrease in ground maintenance

The price of renting an allotment is set to increase in 2028.

The council said allotment rent income falling below inflation has had a direct impact on both the quantity and quality of grounds maintenance carried out across the city | Sandie Clarke Unsplash

placeholder image — The council said allotment rent income falling below inflation has had a direct impact on both the quantity and quality of grounds maintenance carried out across the city | Sandie Clarke Unsplash

Members of Sheffield City Council’s communities, parks and leisure committee will be asked to approve a 5.1 per cent increase in allotment rent and water charges for 2028/29 at an upcoming meeting.

Allotment rent is already due to increase in April 2027.

There are more than 3,400 allotment plots across the Steel City, with the largest site being Meersbrook with 451 plots.

Between 2018 and 2023, allotment rents increased each year by below three per cent, but since 2024, the increases have ramped up.

Increases over the last few years

April 2024	5.5 per cent
April 2025	5.96 per cent
April 2026	2.0 per cent
April 2027	5.1 per cent
April 2028	5.1 per cent

Rent currently costs between £33.51 per year for a plot up to 100 metres squared without water, and £208.11 for a plot size of more than 300 metres squared with water access.

If the site does not have a water mains supply, plot holders are only charged for rent.

The council said encouraging local growing reduces reliance on processed and packaged food, cuts transport emissions, and promotes environmentally responsible consumption | Bob Jenkin, Unsplash

A report to the communities, parks and leisure policy committee said: “Rent increases in 2024/25 and 2025/26 were below the consumer price index (CPI) inflation levels.”

It said rents during the 2024/25 period were “favourable” for plot holders, but claims the smaller budget has resulted in reduced ground maintenance.

The council said it has faced a “significant cost increase for the service” in recent years and expects costs to continue rising.

The report claims the price increase will “safeguard the estate for future generations”.

The cost of renting an allotment in Sheffield is set to rise by 5.1% in 2028 | Frank Reid

The council offers a 75 per cent discount for allotment users on a low income or with disabilities, which it claims is “generous compared to other authorities”.

The report to the committee said: “Most offer lower discounts, or no discount at all.”

“We feel that the large discount is fair, as it makes allotments more affordable for those who might struggle otherwise.”

UK councils have a statutory duty to provide allotment sites for people to grow their own food.

The price increase will be discussed at the communities, parks and leisure committee on Monday, November 2.