Purpose
The Allotment and Environment Committee is established to oversee the management and development of the town’s allotments and to drive environmental initiatives that enhance the sustainability and visual appeal of the town. The committee will work collaboratively with tenants, community groups, and stakeholders to promote best practices in allotment management and environmental stewardship.
Structure & Meetings
• The Allotments and Environment Committee shall be comprised of five Members to be appointed at the Annual Meeting, or when a vacancy arises.
• The Chair will be appointed at the Annual Meeting.
• The meeting schedule will be set at the Annual Council Meeting.
• For the meeting to be quorate three members must be in attendance.
• The Town Clerk shall serve as an advisor and provide administrative support, either in person or via one of the office team.
• Non-voting representatives from allotment associations or local environmental groups may be invited to contribute expertise.
Functions
Allotments
• To exercise the powers and duties of the Council in relation to the maintenance and usage of the Council’s allotments.
• To take steps for the provision of allotments within the Bishop Auckland Town Council area and to undertake the management, regulation and control of any allotments so provided.
• To advise and make recommendations to the Council on any matters affecting the allotment service.
• To manage the Allotment and Environment budget, as set by the Town Council, and will provide regular updates on spend to the Policy and Resources Committee and Full Council.
• To assist with the setting of the annual allotment rent charges and discretionary charges such as the Water and Maintenance charge.
• To consider and make decisions on any matters affecting the allotments with the exception of items clearly excluded under Delegated Authority.
• Promote allotments as a means of sustainable food production, community engagement, and well-being, as well as encouraging best practices in cultivation and land management.
• To work with the Allotment Tenants to provide a well-managed and cost-effective service to allotment users, people on the waiting list and all residents of the Town.
• To carry out regular inspections of the allotments, in collaboration with the Allotments Officer.
• To consider cases where tenancy agreements, policies or rules are not being observed and support of the committee is needed to follow the enforcement procedure for non-compliance.
Environment
• To consider environmental issues affecting Bishop Auckland.
• To identify with a view to develop and implement environmental improvement projects that contribute to the town’s sustainability, biodiversity, and green spaces.
• To advise on the Council public planting works across the town, including the hanging baskets and planters in the Town Centre, and the flower beds on Bob Hardisty Drive.
• To work with the Policy and Resources committee to look how the council can reduce the consumption of energy, water and CO2 across all council activities.
• Identify opportunities for funding, grants, and partnerships with external organisations to support environmental initiatives
• To facilitate community involvement in environmental activities, including tree planting, wildlife conservation, and green infrastructure improvements.
• To represent the Council on local environmental groups such as Green Matters, River Wears Trust and the Bishop Auckland In Bloom, and work with them in collaboration to improve the public spaces within the town, and report back to the Town Council on partnership Activity.
Reporting and Accountability
The Committee will report regularly to the Town Council, providing updates on progress, challenges, and recommendations for future action. Decisions requiring financial expenditure outside of the approved Allotment and Environment Budget or policy changes will require Full Council approval.
Review
These Terms of Reference will be reviewed annually to ensure they remain fit for purpose and align with the evolving needs of the town.
