Allotment shared management proposal FAQs
Adur & Worthing Councils are in the process of reviewing how allotments will be managed in the future. A decision is expected by the end of November 2026.
As a result of the feedback, we have pulled together the following FAQs that have been received by us on multiple occasions.
Why are the councils reviewing the way allotments are managed?
We're reviewing how allotments across the borough should be managed, as our existing agreements with our allotment management groups have expired. We think this is an opportunity to ensure that our allotments system is as fair and as healthy as possible, with the investment our allotment holders want and the sites need.
What are the proposed changes to the management of the allotments?
There are clear benefits to community involvement in the day-to-day management of allotments. However, it's important that we take responsibility for a number of tasks that require legal expertise and financial governance. A Shared Management Model is proposed because this affords the allotment community a mechanism to get involved with the daily management of the sites (such as managing the waiting list and vacant plot viewings or reporting defects) while we take responsibility for areas such as accounting, policy and health & safety.
Are the councils planning to sell or develop on allotment sites?
Absolutely not. We want to be clear that we have no plan to sell any of our allotments.
Does this apply to allotments in both Adur and Worthing?
The Adur allotment sites already operate under the proposed shared management model, except for Halewick Lane. This works well, but we acknowledge delivery of public service can be continuously improved. Adur allotment tenants have been included, as their feedback is valuable. For clarity, the management model in Adur is NOT changing.
Will there still be the opportunity to volunteer?
The plan is to recruit a committee of volunteers. We anticipate there will be clearly defined roles - people can apply for vacant roles. We hope the feedback will help us shape what the volunteer committees will look like and how they will operate.
Where is my invoice for 2026/27 and will the annual fees increase?
If we do decide to take on the responsibility for the financial management of the sites, data will need to be transferred to our system from the allotment management groups. That will take some time. In the meantime, invoices will be delayed this year, but the billing period will remain unchanged. We anticipate invoices being issued in November.
Fees in Worthing will not increase this year. However, fees have stagnated at most Worthing sites for a number of years. These fees need to be aligned with Adur allotments sites. There is a plan to incrementally increase fees (not all in one go). Fees & Charges for 2027/28 will be agreed by elected councillors at Joint Strategic Committee (JSC) in November 2026. We will have more information about fee increases for 2027/28 in the first quarter of 2027.
How will changes be managed on a day-to-day basis?
WithComments from the allotment community will be considered when we look at new processes for management. However, there should be little to zero change for most allotment tenants - you will still be invoiced annually and you will still be subject to similar rules and conditions. We have recruited a temporary full-time allotment officer.
Will the allotment community have autonomy/input into decision-making?
There will be a mechanism for tenants to have input into decision-making. The structure of the stakeholder group will be formed via consultation with volunteers and tenants.
Why have the councils decided to move towards shared management?
A Shared Management Model is proposed because this affords the allotment community a mechanism to get involved with the daily management of the sites (such as managing the waiting list and vacant plot viewings or reporting defects) while we take responsibility for areas such as accounting, policy and health & safety.
Who will maintain the allotments?
We have always had responsibility for maintaining the sites, as it is council-owned land. This will not change. We will repair and maintain communal areas and boundaries.
Tenants will continue to be responsible for their individual plots and surrounding pathways.
Will the allotment shop continue?
Worthing Allotment Garden Association (WAGA) manages the allotment shops. WAGA is not involved in the daily management of allotment plots. Our arrangement with WAGA is separate to the management of the allotment plots, and the shops can continue to operate.
Will the water remain free?
Water is not free - it has been and will continue to be included in the annual allotment rent that tenants pay. The cost of water has increased by 47% in 2025 and a further 8% in 2026. The cost is likely to continue to rise.
How will the income received from allotment fees be used by the councils?
Allotment fees are not ring fenced and the councils have to manage funds according to the priorities of the community, such as delivering a range of frontline services (including homelessness prevention).
A one-off administration fee has been suggested to replace the key deposit scheme. It is proposed that the money gathered via that fee will be ring fenced for investment in the allotments.
If we have a problem how do we contact the allotment officer?
To contact the allotment officer or the parks team with general allotment enquiries, please email:
If you want to report a defect or repair, see:
Antisocial behaviour should be reported to the police via 111.
Please note: allotment stakeholders have been asked to submit comments for consideration. These comments will inform how the Shared Management Model is shaped and presented.
See:
Page last updated: 15 October 2026