Overview

This Mobile Homes Bill aims to improve the regulation of mobile home sites in England and Wales, enhancing the rights of residents and clarifying the responsibilities of site owners and managers. Key changes include the introduction of fees for site licenses, stricter regulations for site managers, and modifications to pitch agreements, particularly regarding the sale and gifting of mobile homes.

Description

Licensing and Fees

The bill introduces fees for site license applications, alterations, and transfers for residential sites in England. Local authorities will set fees based on a published policy, and new annual fees for licenses may be charged. Local authorities gain more discretion on applications, with appeal rights to residential property tribunals for refusals.

Site Management and Compliance

A requirement for site managers to be "fit and proper persons" is introduced, with a register to be established. New compliance notices allow local authorities to address breaches of site license conditions, with appeal rights to residential property tribunals. Local authorities are also given powers to carry out works to address breaches, and to demand expenses incurred in these actions.

Pitch Agreements

The bill simplifies the sale and gifting of mobile homes. Site owners' consent is no longer needed in many cases for sale or gifting to family members, though commission is payable. New site rules are introduced for sites in England (excluding gypsy and traveller sites), becoming express terms of pitch agreements. A streamlined process is established for reviewing pitch fees.

Offences and Penalties

Penalties for certain offenses under the 1960 Act are increased and clarified. The bill includes provisions for corporate liability and the liability of officers of bodies corporate. It introduces offences relating to false or misleading information provided by site owners and/or agents, with stronger protections against harassment and unlawful eviction.

Government Spending

The bill is expected to increase government spending by an unspecified amount due to additional regulatory functions, primarily through the establishment of the 'fit and proper person' register and processing of compliance notices, appeals, and fee collections. Conversely, the introduction of fees for licenses could offset some of this cost to the government.

Groups Affected

• Mobile home residents: Potentially positive impacts from stronger protections against eviction and harassment, simplified sale/gifting processes, and clearer rules. May face increased fees.
• Site owners/managers: Increased regulatory burden, potential financial impact from fees, and commission charges, as well as potential legal costs associated with challenges from residents.
• Local authorities: Increased administrative workload related to fee collection, management of registers, and enforcement of regulations.
• Residential property tribunals: Increased caseload due to the additional appeal rights.

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