Last year the “national” society of allotment and leisure gardeners declared that a self-managing allotment association can evict plot holders from their plots without having to give them a reason or a chance of appeal.
Just as an example Newton Abbot and District Co-operative Allotment Association Ltd. is an NSALG member. On their website (NADCAA) they appear to pay £1 or so for a half plot and charge their members £15 plus start-up fees. As many others could they swiftly introduced the new NSALG rule.  This reads as follows: -
18) Non Cultivation of a plot, nuisance, theft or suspected theft, harassment of other members or constant interference in Management Committee matters constitute grounds for eviction. Members who fail to make “good use” of their plot within a 12 month period may be evicted in accordance with current legislation.
The Association in Agreement with the Landlords have adopted the National Society of      Allotment & Leisure Gardeners standard Notice to Quit. This can only be served between September & April and the member will have 12 months to vacate their plot. No reason for eviction needs to be given".
Under this new rule it seems even suspicion of wrong doing, or perhaps just annoying the Committee (or trying out Permaculture if it is deemed “not making good use” of the plot) could see you ousted without appeal.  Worst case scenario: -unsubstantiated allegations, or discrimination, or a jealous grab for your well-run plot might see you ejected without appeal, with no open statement of the reason!
This new rule seems a long way from the best of allotment administration. Apart from legal or human rights queries,   the Local Government Ombudsman has given guidelines stating that locking out a plot holder is not justified if the reasons given by an Association are not checked out properly (case 06/C/16558).  The Ombudsman recommended that the Council involved should apologise, withdraw false theft accusations, pay £1000 compensation and re-train the Council staff involved.
Why ever should we want to set up or join organisations that might ignore such guidelines? Expose ourselves to potential intimidation and bullying on public land?
The cure for such a soulless and bleak situation is to rise to the occasion. Engage in creative and community-building activity, make the times our own. For a mere £2 a year an individual can join in the efforts of SWCAA. cic and that includes basic public and product liability insurance, plus advice and – depending on public response – the benefit from development of an expanding range of services. England (along with Wales) is everyone’s garden. Take pride and enjoy it!  

--Last edited by michael on 2008-09-03 18:56:05 --