Issue - meetings

The Panel is invited to discuss the Right to Grow Policy Review Report and to reflect on which strategic elements, if any, could be advanced for inclusion in the Council’s Corporate Plan and Medium Term Financial Strategy.

Executive Councillor: J Kerr

By means of a report by the Head of Operational Services (a copy of which was appended in the Minute Book), the Right to Grow Policy Review Report was presented to the Panel.

The Panel discussed the proposals presented in the report, which were felt to be well set out, there was concern however that by waiting for inclusion into the next Medium Term Financial Strategy or Corporate Plan would incur long delays and that it was desired for more imminent action.

Concern was also given to the potential pitfalls of some of the project suggestions in particular issues surrounding liabilities and potential for fraud.

It was felt that empty allotments throughout the district presented an opportunity for residents to grow food themselves and that apps such as the OLIO app which encourage users to share end dated food to avoid wastage could be beneficial. Other existing projects such as community fridges were also discussed with the Panel reflecting on the community spirit which was prevalent during COVID, and felt that this could be developed further to address this need. The Panel requested for these existing technologies and projects to be highlighted as opportunities for residents identifying their availability through signposting.

The positive aspects of growing your own food such as mental health benefits and food awareness were discussed. The Panel discussed the benefits of central projects versus signposting communities to opportunities for them to interpret and implement to best serve their needs. The Panel were in favour of requesting an additional page to be added to the Council’s website to share suggested projects which could be adopted by residents and community groups in the form of a toolkit, along with communication and signposting for existing opportunities. It was added that interested community groups could develop this into pilots with the support of their ward member.

In conclusion the Panel agreed that a short summary would be developed from the discussion and passed to the relevant Executive Councillors and in particular to note the signposting of allotment vacancies throughout the district and to create an online toolkit signposting interested residents and community groups to suggested opportunities. It was also suggested to co-ordinate with Support Cambridgeshire due to their position within and ability to communicate with the community.