LANCASTER MP Hilton Dawson is celebrating what he calls a "real victory" in the struggle to improve conditions for thousands of older people living in residential park homes.

Speaking after a meeting with Housing Minister Hilary Armstrong, Mr Dawson, who is vice Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Park Homes group, said "I am delighted that Hilary Armstrong has today agreed to set up a review of the 1983 Mobile Homes Act. While Park Home living can be a pleasant way of life for many older people the various loopholes in the Act mean that others can end up in situations where they are exploited and oppressed."

"Vulnerable people need far more protection than is currently offered by the Act which in some ways represents an open invitation to unscrupulous landlords. As one of my constituents once said to me "Rachman is alive and well and running a park home site."

Mr Dawson stated that the Act needed significant reform particularly with regard to the 10% surcharge on the sale of homes, negotiation of pitch fees and the crucial role of local authorities with respect to registration, inspection and arbitration.

Mr Dawson added "The review is a first step toward changes which can be welcomed by both residents and the majority of decent park landlords." Morecambe and Lunesdale MP, Geraldine Smith, has also campaigned vigorously for more rights for residents.

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