To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what plans she has to ensure parish and town councils which wish to provide allotments for residents are able to do so.

Parish and town councils which wish to provide allotments for residents are already able to do so. Section 23 of the Small Holdings and Allotments Act 1908 places a duty on local authorities (except for inner London boroughs) to provide sufficient allotments where they consider that there is a demand for them in their area.

My noble Friend Baroness Andrews recently hosted a meeting with allotment policy stakeholders to consider current trends, issues and priorities for action and with their help we are drawing up options about how we can provide further support to local authorities, including parish and town councils

One of the key actions that came out of that meeting is to update the good practice guidance, "growing in the community", with a clear map of allotment law/guidance to ensure that all councils are aware of their obligations and good practice in the provision of allotments.