To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps her Department is taking to increase the supply of allotments.

Government statute and guidance provides the framework for the supply of allotment at the local level.

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.

In addition, 'Planning Policy Guidance 17: Sport, Open Space and recreation', encourages local authorities to assess the needs of their communities for a range of open spaces, (including allotments) and to address deficiencies. It also suggests that authorities should allocate sites within their plans for the provision of new open spaces. PPG 17 advises local authorities to use the information gained from their assessments of needs and opportunities to set locally derived standards for the provision of open space, sports and recreation facilities in their areas.