4. 5. Statement: Park Homes Commission Rate — Next Steps

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:17 pm on 21 March 2017.

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Photo of Carl Sargeant Carl Sargeant Labour 3:17, 21 March 2017

I thank the Member for his contribution. I think the Member, in broad principle, is supportive of the statement today. Of course, the other recommendations other than the commission, my team have already started work on that and we’ll be hoping to issue some guidance towards the autumn. In terms of the commission rate specifically, I expect the full process of engagement and consultation to start around Easter time for a full 12-week consultation process for interested parties to take part in that. My team have already started the list of people that they need to personally engage with already, irrespective of the proposals of consultation.

I would probably disagree with the Member at this moment in terms of the statement I made in regards to either reduce or abolish. I think it's important that we fully understand the economics of the park, and this is the reason why I'm doing this. Based upon the report—and the difficulty we had with accounts being submitted was the lack of evidence there. So, I could, upon the basis of just the report, move into consultation on the basis that we’re going to abolish these rates. I think it's fair that we recognise that we have to be supportive of business too. I recognise that they provide a service of housing for many people across Wales. I will make that judgment on the decision following the evidence provided by park owners, but it will be a robust piece of work. I am confident that we can do that. A failure to submit the accounts or evidence to suggest that their businesses are economically unsustainable will not wear with me unless I've got evidence to support that, and I will be looking, as I said, to reduce or remove, subject to the process moving forward.