Consumer Focus (CF) in Scotland, England and Wales are independent statutory organisations campaigning for a fair deal for consumers. They aim to influence change and shape policy to better reflect their needs. This is done by using evidence gathered through research and knowledge of consumer issues. These organisations also have statutory powers including the ability to undertake investigations. Use this link to their website which gives you more information at www.consumerfocus.org.uk
CF have recently been meeting and speaking to lots of different people to gather information about the problems faced by park home residents and are starting to get a clearer picture of how things could be changed to improve the lives of people living on park home sites in England, Scotland and Wales.

As part of this work CF would also like to speak to people directly who have faced difficulties in the park home industry within the last 2 years. By sharing your experiences you will help  build up a clearer picture of the different types of problems people are facing across Great Britain and what could be done about this.

If you are willing to share your stories with CF or if you know of other residents who may be interested in speaking to us, please contact them in the first instance by emailing to: Parkhomes@consumerfocus.org.uk

 
When you do email, please give at least the following basic information:  Your full name, your address (including name of site) and any contact number, the best time to contact you, the name of your site owner and an indication of the types of issue/s that you have experienced and which have taken place within the last 2 years

Finally, when you contact CF can you also please indicate whether you would be agreeable to them sharing the above information with their research company IFF Research?  IFF is conducting interviews with residents and residents associations on behalf of Consumer Focus, so they want to be able to share your details with them for possible future contact.  Please be reassured that any information which you provide will be treated in confidence and any information that is published will be done so on an anonymous basis unless we have obtained your consent beforehand.

Consumer Focus and Phlags would really appreciate your participation in this important research project.

Throughout 2011, Phlags have been in regular contact with Scottish Government MSPs, officials and indeed the Minister responsible for park home legislation, Keith Brown.  We have also taken part in several stakeholder meetings to discuss the nuts and bolts of reform.
The current position (at December 2011) is that a Scottish Statutory Instrument (SSI) will come forward in Spring 2011 amending the legislation covering the relationship between park home residents and site owners.  We see considerable advantage emerging for residents, putting right some of the wrongs of the past.  This SSI will be influenced by the outcome of a UK wide survey by Consumer watchdogs on the problems facing park home residents.  (See separate article on how you can participate.)  A more comprehensive update on the legislative position is available in our Library. (Click here)
We have also been much exercised by the failings of the various Caravans Acts which regulate the operation of park home site. Some are FIFTY years old! The good news is that the Scottish Government will bring forward a Housing Bill in 2012 which will give local authorities much greater powers of regulation and enforcement over park home owners and sites.  See the proposals in our library by clicking here.  This paper includes an excellent paper prepared by COSLA (The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities) on the deficiencies in the present site licensing rtegime.

We will continue to keep you up to date.