Is allotment revenue generation a hidden gem for local authorities?

Across the UK, many councils are under pressure to make better use of public land. At the same time, demand for allotments remains high, with many residents waiting months or even years for a plot. That’s a lot of wasted revenue generation!

This creates a clear opportunity to bring underused land back into community use as allotments or growing spaces. Done well, this can help councils improve local wellbeing, support sustainability, and generate income. However, this also creates a management challenge.

What’s the deal with allotments? Why do they matter?

The Local Government Association describes allotments as valuable green spaces and community assets. They support people to grow their own produce, improve health and wellbeing, reduce carbon emissions and strengthen community cohesion.

Residents usually apply to their local council for an allotment. In many cases, they are added to a waiting list – and a very long one at that! APSE reported that 94% of councils are seeing increased demand for allotments. The National Allotment Society reports that there are 174,000+ people on waiting lists across the UK, with some councils quoting waits of 5 to 10 years!

Clearly, allotments are a service area where demand needs to be addressed, recorded, managed and reported properly.

Without digital solutions, allotments present a management challenge

Let’s not go crazy. Allotment revenue generation is never going to become a major commercial income stream for most councils. They do, however, generate regular income through plots, deposits, paid services or related community activities.

The financial case is strongest when allotments are managed efficiently. A poorly managed paper-based or spreadsheet-based process can quickly become a major admin burden. Common challenges include:

  • knowing who is on each waiting list
  • keeping applicant details up to date
  • allocating plots fairly
  • managing offers and refusals
  • recording tenancy agreements
  • collecting rents and charges
  • tracking vacant or neglected plots
  • handling maintenance requests
  • inspecting sites
  • communicating with plot holders
  • reporting on demand, income and site condition

These are not fringe headaches – they are regular service management problems, and many councils are still using tools that are not up to the task.

What does a structured digital approach to allotment management look like?

Digital systems can support:

  • online allotment applications
  • waiting list management
  • applicant records
  • plot and site records
  • online payments
  • automated notifications
  • service requests
  • inspections and mobile working
  • maintenance tasks
  • document capture
  • reporting and dashboards

This gives councils a clearer view of demand, workload, site condition and service performance. It also provides a better resident experience. Instead of phoning or emailing for updates, residents can be guided through a structured online process and receive clearer communication.

This is where our Digital Allotment Management system can help

There is a clear opportunity here to stop unused land going to waste and to start using it for allotment revenue generation.

But this opportunity needs to be managed properly. As demand grows, councils need more than spreadsheets and manual processes. They need clear digital workflows, accurate records, simple resident access and better reporting.

For councils reviewing their allotment service, waiting lists or unused land, now is a good time to consider how digital tools can support a more efficient and community-focused approach.

My Council Services can help councils modernise allotment management, reduce administration and provide a better service to residents. Click HERE to watch a two-minute preview video of our capability.

If you would be interested in a demonstration of our digital allotment solution, click on the Contact button in the top right of your screen!