7. Statement by the Minister for Housing and Regeneration: Changes to the Park Homes Commission Rate

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:13 pm on 5 June 2018.

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Photo of Bethan Sayed Bethan Sayed Plaid Cymru 6:13, 5 June 2018

The park home issue is an issue that does divide opinion, and I remember this well from my time on the Petitions Committee, where we had quite a debate at the time, a few years ago, from those who were park home residents and from those who run park homes. This is where we're at now, I think, in relation to this statement. So, there is a direct conflict, I think, between those running the park home sites and those who want and expect not to be penalised by choosing an alternative lifestyle. I want a healthy sector for the residents, but I also want that for the site owners and to try and resolve any issues in a civil way. I think all of us here today want to try and strike the correct balance in relation to this particular issue.

I do have some questions relating to the statement, and it's already been raised, I think, which is the biggest concern—the worry you express regarding pitch fees and any increase, which is probably potentially more than a possibility, I think. I do believe we have to guard against this prospect and any exorbitant and excessive fee increases. So, I'd like to ask you whether or not, from the financial analysis completed, you do expect a pitch fee increase and if you've made any estimate of what that might be. Given that you seem to expect a pitch fee increase in the statement—correct me if I'm wrong—is there any reason that you've decided not to use mechanisms available to limit fee increases now? I know, and I've heard your response to other Assembly Members, about the fact that there are talks that can happen between park home owners and those who run them, and there are legal avenues. But, of course, if this statement is going to potentially lead to an increase, then any thoughts that you have had on that spike and how that will affect the sector would be useful to hear or to be expanded on here today.

Again, like I said, I think it's important that we strike a balance, and I appreciate that some park home sites do rely heavily on commission sales, and it's in our interests to ensure that they don't close, obviously. Could you perhaps commit to revisiting this issue next year, if necessary, to make a decision on the nature and size of any pitch fees, if those are increased across the board as a result of any changes that have been announced here today?

Finally, could I ask you to outline how you expect local authorities to increase or improve inspection and licensing regimes? I note that, in your statement, you said that you would like to promote better working. So, could we have an idea as to how that would look in practice? You do reference Rent Smart Wales. How can that be used as a way to ensure that this area is more successful in how they work, ongoing?