Self-management in Newbury

[Unwashed]

We're going to have a debate in Newbury on the merits and potential savings of self-management.

The Council have thus far suppressed any discussion of self-management, but last year the Council proposed to increase rents to £25/pole to cover the full cost of their administration, though they settled in the end for a 47% increase to £6.94/pole, but now that other councils are looking at substantial increases there's every chance Newbury will follow.  But then again if the Council don't cover their administration costs it looks wrong that we're getting our leisure time subsidised by the state when day-care centres for the elderly are being closed in Newbury because of council budget cuts.

So the Newbury Labour Party have done their research and think they can save at least £40k if we self-manage and they're calling a public meeting to discuss its merits so that town councillors (who are tory and lib-dem) and the town's allotmenteers can see what it's all about.  I'm considerably delighted as you might imagine.

If they can get a budget to pay travel expenses I'm hoping some committee members from self-managed sites can be invited to give their experiences first-hand because Newbury doesn't have a self-management tradition and the Council have made it all sound terribly difficult, and it would be really good for allotmenteers to see what it's actually about.

What do you think?  Might you be prepared to come and share your experience?

[Unwashed]

[elvis2003]

well well well,who would have thought it!! this is great news! Ill happily come and speak,any excuse to visit my sister in Newbury and talk about allotments at the same time! (esp if they are paying travel expenses)

[Unwashed]

That's fantastic Rachel, thank you.  I'm hoping Richard Garvie, the Labour Party activist will be along some time to say hello and give a few details.  He hasn't got the budget yet so it's a little time away yet I'd guess.

[lincsyokel2]

It all happens in Newbury, doesnt it lol

[cornykev]

Nice one Simon.    ;D ;D ;D

[tonybloke]

I'm up for it, Simon!

[Unwashed]

I'm up for it, Simon!

I was hoping you'd say that!  I think Richard has spoken to you already hasn't he?

[Digeroo]

Wonders will never cease.   :-\

[Unwashed]

Cheers Kev, Digeroo - but don't get carried away, we haven't got any actualy council engagement yet, if we have a good meeting it'll be very difficult for the town council to ignore the result.

[elvis2003]

Its a bloomin great start though,at least they are  taking on board all that youve been saying for gawd knows how long,well done,you must be chuffed!
Nice one Tony too!

[richard.garvie]

Hi all. I thought I better come on and say hello. As a group, we have followed the allotment debate with great interest for some time and I personally tried to broker a discussion back in October between the Council and Simon to try and get some resolution. The council appear to be desperate to avoid self management at all costs, so we've done some digging and it would appear Simon makes a very good case.

What I would ask is that anyone who has more info on self management and experiences you have had, please email me at info@richardgarvie.com. I'm hoping to go up to Great Yarmouth very soon, and I'd be keen to visit others if you wish to have me and show me the benefits.

I'm trying to remain objective whilst doing this research, but it's becoming very clear that the benefits far outweigh any negatives.

[Digeroo]

Judging from some of the threads on here there certainly are some issues with a few management committees.  There seems to be a need for some kind of procedure and right of appeal in case of termination of leases.   

[Unwashed]

so we've done some digging and it would appear Simon makes a very good case.

That would be a nut case!

Welcome to A4A Richard, very pleased you could make it.

[tonybloke]

Judging from some of the threads on here there certainly are some issues with a few management committees.  There seems to be a need for some kind of procedure and right of appeal in case of termination of leases.   

we've got those in place, and an 'arbitration & appeals committee' as well. ;)

[tonybloke]

welcome to a4a Richard.

[Robert_Brenchley]

Judging from some of the threads on here there certainly are some issues with a few management committees.  There seems to be a need for some kind of procedure and right of appeal in case of termination of leases.   

Absolutely right. The council should never delegate eviction procedures beyond the first letter; if they do, it crreates all sorts of opportunities for little tin hitlers. I'd never be on my site now if the previous committee had been in a position to evict tenants.

[cornykev]

Welcome to the nut house Richie.   ;D

[Squash64]

Excellent news Simon, I'm really pleased that something is being done to help you at last.

Welcome Richard - Birmingham might be a bit far for you to travel to but you would be very welcome if you would like to visit us.

[Digeroo]

I know it is quite a way but I was very impressed indeed in the whole set up at the Walsall Road Allotments.   There is a great sense of community, the place seems to  be very well run and they even source vast amounts of bio matter.   The range and diversity of the crops was a joy to behold not to mention the sheer exuberance of the individual plants. 

But there are so very many groups thoughout the country which self manage from tennis clubs to the U3A, there must be lots of them even in Newbury.

[Unwashed]

Judging from some of the threads on here there certainly are some issues with a few management committees.  There seems to be a need for some kind of procedure and right of appeal in case of termination of leases.   

Absolutely right. The council should never delegate eviction procedures beyond the first letter; if they do, it crreates all sorts of opportunities for little tin hitlers. I'd never be on my site now if the previous committee had been in a position to evict tenants.

The problem is really the little hitlers.  I've always thought a council would be less susceptible, and that may well be so, but Newbury are still evicting me for asserting my consumer rights so there's no easy answer to this one.