Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:-
“The scale of complaints I have received in recent weeks from caravan owners convinces me that there is unfair exploitation by some park owners and that the current legislation, The Caravans Act NI 2011, affords inadequate protection and requires reform.
“Among the issues highlighted are the following:-
- excessive hikes in pitch fees;
- new rules, without consultation, on the age of caravans allowed to remain on site, with coercive pressure to purchase new vans from the site owners, resulting in longstanding users being driven off site;
- no security of tenure;
- attempts to monopolise ancillary provisions, for example, refusing caravan owners the right to have an outside contractor provide decking, so that the park owners only can provide same at unregulated prices and in their own time;
- refusal to recognise owners’ associations;
“Many caravan users are either young families or elderly folk, who have enjoyed their caravan for years. It is heartbreaking for them to be forced to give up what is central to their enjoyment of life, because they cannot afford the exorbitant financial demands being placed on them.
“It is clear to me that the Caravans Act needs strengthened with protections akin to that afforded in the Business Tenancies Act and a move away from the exploitive opportunities of the caravan owners enjoying only a yearly licence.
“This sector clearly needs more protective regulation.
“The Communities Minister, in response to a recent Assembly Question from me, has advised that she has belatedly moved to initiate the 5 year review required under the Caravans Act, which should have been completed in 2021. So, now is the time to step up organised lobbying on this matter. I will certainly be making vigorous representations on these issues.
“I’d suggest to caravanners that now would be an opportune time to launch a Petition to the Assembly and department, which I would happily present to the Assembly as a means of keeping focus on this issue.”