We're quite near the border so have people from across the border wanting plots. So far we've been saying no.
But I've just read in the rents thread::::
.but doubled now. I now live 'out of area' so pay double,
Now to me that sounds a very interesting idea.
The point I can see about authorities being protective of their plots is that the council is paid for by the people of that area (council tax anyway which I know isn't the only source of funding for local authorities).
When I think it's wrong is if it's not reciprocal: ie: non-Manchester people can't have Manchester plots, but Manchester people can in theory get plots in the boroughs around.
Maybe some FOI requests might show just how many people on one authorities plots aren't from that area.
It'd be a PITA for areas like Ashton where I don't think they have any legal allotments - but for areas with long local waiting lists it might be interesting to see how much out of area hogging is going on.
On your site how many plot holders are from that authority area?