Allotment provision and waiting lists

Request data on allotment plots, waiting lists, and rents.

Under the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015, councils have a duty to provide allotments where there is demand. This data shows how long people are waiting for a plot and whether supply is keeping up.

Dear [AUTHORITY NAME], Please provide the following information: 1. The total number of allotment plots managed by the council. 2. The current number of people on the allotment waiting list. 3. The average waiting time from joining the list to being offered a plot. 4. The annual rent charged per standard-sized plot. I would prefer to receive this by email. Yours faithfully, [YOUR NAME]
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Who to send it to#

Your local council’s parks or community services team. Find your council on the Commissioner’s directory of Scottish public authorities. You can also send your request through WhatDoTheyKnow, which publishes responses online.

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Tips#

  • The Community Empowerment Act requires councils to take reasonable steps to provide allotments if the waiting list exceeds certain thresholds. Check whether your council’s waiting list triggers this duty.
  • Some councils publish allotment information on their website. Check before submitting your request.
  • If the council manages community growing spaces that are not formally classified as allotments, ask about those too.