Oral Answers to Questions

Annette Brooke Excerpts

Thursday 25th November 2010 Commons Chamber

[Andrew Stunell]

I draw my hon. Friend’s attention to the fact that this is a matter on which we are consulting. We have that intention, and I hope that he will write and encourage us to carry forward that proposal.

[Annette Brooke (Mid Dorset and North Poole) (LD)]

18. By what date he expects the residential property tribunals system for park home owners to be in full operation.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (Andrew Stunell)]

First, I congratulate my hon. Friend on her staunch work on behalf of mobile home owners. Subject to parliamentary approval, we expect residential property tribunals to begin hearing cases under the Mobile Homes Act 1983 in spring next year.

[Annette Brooke]

I very much welcome the Minister’s response. However, I am sure that he is very much aware that it will not address some of the appalling practices to which some park home owners are subjected. What further action will he set in motion?

[Andrew Stunell]

As my hon. Friend knows, I attended the lobby that she organised, and I have absolutely no doubt about the serious problem that residents face with a small minority of rogue landlords. We need to see how the Tribunals Service can deal with these complaints and matters. Certainly, we shall be looking very hard to see what progress we can make. The Minister for Housing and Local Government is looking at a range of measures that will help to combat the mismanagement and abuse that some residents face, and he will shortly make an announcement on his plans.