To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what guidance her Department has issued to local authorities on the provision of allotments.

In liaison with the Department, the Local Government Association revised a good practice guide, "Growing in the Community", in March 2008. This includes a section on allotment provision. A free copy was sent to all local authorities.

The provision of allotments is the responsibility of local authorities. Section 23 of the Small Holdings and Allotments Act 1908 places a duty on local authorities (except for inner London boroughs) to provide allotments where they perceive a demand for them in their area. Furthermore, "Planning Policy Guidance Note 17: Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation, 2002" requires local authorities to make provision for all types of open space and requires them to undertake robust assessments of local needs and audits of existing open space, to establish standards for new provision. By implementing the guidance in PPG 17, local authorities should make adequate provision for allotments.