Park Home reforms
1 September 2010
The new minister for Housing and Local Government, Grant Shapps,
MP has recently made his first announcement since the General
Election in relation to Park Home reforms.
'The Government values the role the park home sector plays in
the housing market offering an affordable alternative to mainstream
housing for many people, often over the age of 50, in mainly rural,
semi-rural and seaside locations. Although many residents
appreciate and value the sense of community that park home living
engenders, I am aware that many also experience difficulties in
exercising their rights and achieving their aspirations.
Furthermore, a minority of site owners continue to cause
significant problems to residents and the local community in which
they operate.'
The previous Government had intended to give residential park
owners and park home owners' access to a dedicated housing tribunal
to deal with the majority of disputes arising under the Mobile
Homes Act 1983. The Minister has confirmed that, subject to
Parliamentary consent, the transfer to the Residential Property
Tribunal will take place by the end of the year.
'The aim of the transfer of the jurisdiction is to provide
residents of park homes and their site owners, with a level playing
field in the resolution of disputes, by providing access to a
dedicated, low cost specialist ( housing ) tribunal, which can deal
with cases quickly and effectively without the parties needing to
be legally represented. This will mean that park home residents
will be able to take action to resolve disputes with site owners,
without being restricted by the prospect of facing large legal
costs.'
Mr Shapps also announced his intention to 'work closely with
interested resident and industry partners in developing potential
measures for empowering residents to exercise more control over
site management where there are management failings by the site
owners which significantly impact upon the well-being of the local
communities.'
In March the previous Government published their response to the
consultation on park home site licensing reforms and announced they
were setting up a 'task force, including representatives of local
authorities, the industry and residents to advise and recommend how
some of the key elements of licensing may be most effectively
implemented with minimum burdens'.
We shall endeavour to keep visitors to our web site updated with
the latest developments in what is a very important piece of
legislation for park home owners.
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