CONSUMER CHAMPION An issue parked! The static van scandal

TWO WEEKS ago the Government announced its proposed consumer law reforms, designed to stop Britons being ripped-off and provide greater consumer protection in general. Overall, this was great news for consumers and will go a long way towards improving the consumer experience in key areas. However, there is a very large group that the proposed reforms will not help: static caravan owners.

Over the past 12 months I have been investigating this sector, speaking to thousands of static van owners, and the reality is that many park owners have little or no regard for consumer laws. Some of the stories are genuinely shocking and demonstrate the urgent need for a

Competition and

Markets Authority investigation. Here are just a few of the issues I have seen:

IF YOU THREATEN LEGAL ACTION YOU’RE OUT:

Lots of consumers have complained to me about this. Mary from Peterborough raised the issue of pitch fees with her park owner and threatened legal action.Two weeks later her licence was terminated as “the relationship had broken down”.

WE’RE HIKING YOUR PITCH FEES:

This is probably the number one complaint I have heard. John from Birmingham told me his pitch fees were increased by 65 per cent overnight. He was told: “If you don’t like it you can leave”.

YOUR CARAVAN IS LOOKING OLD, BUY A NEW ONE FROM US OR YOU’RE OUT:

Horrified consumers have contacted me to complain they have lost everything due to this. Jack from Lancashire bought a used static caravan five years ago for £16,750, from the park owner. In October he received a letter telling him he needed to replace the caravan as its condition had fallen below their standards and if failed to do so his pitch licence would be terminated.

Jack could not afford to do this and was evicted.As he could not afford for it to be removed, his caravan was destroyed.

This is just a small sample of the horror stories I’ve heard – there are lots more! All underlining the point that this sector needs greater regulation and urgent protection for its customers.