WINCHESTER’S MP backed concerns from his constituency over the lack of support for park home residents with their energy bills.

Mobile home residents gathered in Westminster to demand an end to 10 per cent sale fees and get clarity over access to the £400 energy rebate which is available to households.

The movement was supported by Winchester MP Steve Brine who later expressed to Parliament the concerns of constituents on the gap surrounding winter fuel subsides and questioned whether park home residents will get the same level of help as others.

Around 80 park homeowners gathered outside 10 Downing Street to campaign for change in the retirement housing sector before alternative funding for energy bills was announced.

Initially, the demonstration – which was delayed by the Queen’s death – was to address the issue of pitch fees rising every year with Retail Price Inflation (RPI) instead of the lighter Consumer Price Index (CPI).

However, a private members bill by Christopher Chope last week was taken up by the government and is likely to be approved early next year.

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Consequently, the focus was on the 10 per cent sale fees and winter fuel subsidies. Currently, site owners are legally entitled to receive up 10 per cent commission on the sale of mobile homes in their patch.

Meanwhile, concerns over energy bills stemmed from the government’s winter discounts being available to “those with a domestic electricity meter point” which left mobile home owners in a grey area.

Leading the demonstration was the founder of the Park Homes Owners Justice Campaign, Sonia McColl and the group delivered a petition to Number 10, headed by the patron of Leasehold Knowledge Partnership, Peter Bottomley.

A meeting in the Palace of Westminster was held chaired by Sir Bottomley and attended by a number of MPs, including Steve Brine, with his constituencies in Winchester and Chandler’s Ford containing a high number of Park Homes.

Mr Brine said: “I have been in regular contact directly with ministers seeking clarity on when park home owners can expect their energy support. They were promised parity and it hasn’t so far materialised.”

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While the demonstration took place the minister of state for energy and climate, Graham Stuart MP, unveiled the Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Funding.

The new £400 scheme will provide help for those households who do not have a domestic energy supply, like park homes, and have not received support through the main Energy Bills Support Scheme.

The government is set to publish further details on eligibility early in 2023, with the scheme opening for applications in January.