ALLOTMENT charges may be on the increase for Swindon residents.

The Transport, environment and neighbourhood services commission will discuss whether to bring the current allotment pricing structure into line with the council's new charging policy framework at a meeting tomorrow night.

The commission will decide whether to recommend that the yearly charge for a large plot, which covers approximately 250 square metres, should increase by £2 to £24, and a small plot to go up £1 to £11.

The allotment charges were last increased in 1999 with concessions only available in the large plot category.

But under the latest proposed increase, residents would be eligible for concessionary rates for small plots as well.

Two types of concession could be available one to holders of the Swindon card and the other to people who are unemployed or receiving benefits.

The commission's decision will be referred to the cabinet and ultimately ratified in a full council meeting.

If ratified the increases will be introduced from October 1, 2002.