Overview

This bill amends the Mobile Homes Act 1983 to improve the rights of mobile home occupiers. Key changes include requiring owners to pay for occupiers' legal advice regarding their agreements and regulating gas and electricity charges.

Description

The bill makes two main changes to the 1983 Act:

Legal Advice Costs

It mandates that mobile home owners (excluding those on local authority sites) cover reasonable legal costs incurred by occupiers when negotiating, understanding, or clarifying their agreements. This includes advice on determining the agreement's terms and understanding the occupier’s rights.

Gas and Electricity Supplies

The bill removes the owner's right to automatically supply gas and electricity and requires owners to provide free documentation explaining any charges. It prevents owners from charging more than the maximum resale price set by the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority and grants occupiers the freedom to choose their own gas and electricity suppliers.

Government Spending

The bill is unlikely to directly increase government spending. The costs associated with legal advice will be borne by mobile home owners, and the regulatory changes related to gas and electricity are unlikely to necessitate significant additional public expenditure.

Groups Affected

• Mobile home occupiers: Will benefit from greater protection regarding legal costs and choice of gas and electricity providers.
• Mobile home owners: Will bear the cost of occupiers' legal advice and will face limitations on the charges they can levy for gas and electricity.
• Gas and Electricity Suppliers: May see increased competition as mobile home occupiers gain more freedom to choose their suppliers.
• Local Authorities: The amendment does not affect occupiers on council-run sites.

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