Allotment holders will have to fork out more cash to grow vegetables when a 40% rent increase comes into force.

Brighton and Hove Council said it has increased the annual rate for allotments in the city in order to “fund an improvement” in the service.

But the move has been met with criticism from some holders who said the sharp rise, which was agreed with the Brighton and Hove Allotment Federation, could deter people on lower incomes.

As of October the cost of a standard 125 sqm plot will rise from £23 a year to £32.20.

Holders of a double plot will have to pay £64.40, up from £46.

People over 60 and those on income support and other benefits will see a rise in their concession rate from 25% to 30%.

Pete Barker, who has a plot at Lower Roedale Allotments in Brighton, said if increases continue it will become “uneconomic” for people to run plots.

“The council sees the allotments as some sort of executive toy. The rise will deter people on lower incomes. Allotments are for lower income people to grow food to supplement their income and get healthy exercise.

“Allotments never were meant to be used as a business.”

However others said the price still proved good value for money.

Martin Cooper, 39, who shares a half-plot at Roedale Valley, Hollingdean, with co-worker Christopher Sparrow, said: "The increase is a huge jump at a time of wage freezes and cuts but our plot still works out at less than £3 a month and that's excellent value.

"We live off Lewes Road and have no garden. As well as being able to grow our own fruit and veg, the children can come here for a run about and some fresh air away from the pollution."

A council spokesman defended the move claiming the increase was in line with other local authorities such as Adur and Worthing.

He said: “Maintenance of Brighton and Hove’s allotments is being brought in-house and the rents will help to cover the cost of two staff to carry out repairs and clearance work, to ensure plots are brought back into use as soon as possible after they become vacant, and work with community and voluntary groups.

“The council has been working closely with the allotment federation to improve the allotments service and free up space to meet the growing demand for allotments. This has included opening new allotments and dividing up neglected plots to make them more manageable.”

The new rules can be read here.