Over three quarters of councils have limited the size of allotment plots, the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) has found.
The APSE’s ‘Local Authority State of the Market 2025’ report revealed that 76% of councils have shrunk their standard-sized plots due to lengthy waiting lists, according to national survey results.
While 35% of councils reported plans to offer a greater number of allotments, 63% were revealed to have waiting lists of over 18 months.
The survey also revealed that councils have improved the inclusivity of their services, with 57% supporting accessibility requirements by installing features such as raised beds.
Furthermore, local authorities were found to have made progress in their approach to sustainability and environmental awareness, with 80% allocating areas for wildlife in their allotments.
Matt Ellis, APSE Principal Advisor for Parks and author of the report, said: ‘This year’s findings tell a story of innovation and resilience from local councils. In the face of acute demand and budget pressures, they are not just maintaining allotment services but actively reimagining them.
‘By creating smaller plots, they are making them accessible to a new generation of gardeners with busy modern lifestyles, all while championing biodiversity and inclusivity.’
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