A package of measures, designed to better regulate mobile home sites is to be put forward for consultations, the Scottish government announced today.

The proposals will offer increased protection for over 4,500 people living in mobile home communities across Scotland.

Measures planned include consultations on:

• Minimum standards for sites including standards for health and safety, density and spacing of mobile homes allowed on site and upkeep of footpaths and roads
• Powers for councils to allow them to enforce minimum standards
• Improved protections for homeowners through strengthened written agreements with site owners.
• A commitment to produce free, easy to understand, legal information to make clear the rights of those who rent mobile homes in residential sites. For example, to ensure people are aware that surcharges should not be added to on-site energy prices.
• Free, easy to follow, information for people who are considering making a purchase. For example, how much of the sale price may go to the site owner, legal rights and on-site charges.

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Housing and Communities Minister Alex Neil said: "We know that many people living in residential mobile home sites are elderly people.

"While many sites are very well maintained, some do fall below acceptable standards.If problems arise it is important that site owners and residents know what their rights are and that councils have the power to intervene when serious problems persist.

"These new measures will clarify for site owners what standards they should provide, give councils more powers to enforce these standards and, importantly, help many people get a better deal."

(GK/KMcA)