Corbyn warns rules on council asset sales threaten allotments

Jeremy Corbyn has criticised Angela Rayner, the local government secretary, over rules that allow councils to sell allotments to fund day-to-day spending, saying they "make the future of these precious spaces even more perilous".

- Jessica Murray

Rules on council asset sales mean local authorities can sell off sites to help "deliver transformation and invest-to-save projects" they would otherwise not be able to afford.

Corbyn, writing for the Telegraph, said the possible sale of allotments would fill many with "deep dismay".

"Allotments have always been under threat from developers. Now, that threat seems to have government backing, which makes the future of these precious spaces even more perilous," he said.

The National Allotment Society (NAS) urged calm, saying that "no statutory site can be sold or developed without going through a clearly defined legal process".

The government has approved the sale of eight allotment sites since coming to power. In Storrington, West Sussex, there are plans to build 78 new houses on a former allotment.