Member

I am very grateful to my noble friend the Minister and her officials for discussing this issue with us and explaining the legal problems. But, of course, the explanation does not in itself remedy the injustice. The need for legal protection to deter unhealthy and substandard conditions and environments is at least as pressing in the case of amenity blocks as in rented caravan homes. Current provisions in mobile homes legislation do not allow for legal aid to bring a recalcitrant landlord to court; the only recourse is a First-tier Tribunal, which is not accessible to most residents of caravan sites. Nor is there an ombudsman scheme, as there is for other homes. The decent homes standard and the proposals for the application of Awaab’s Law are just as necessary and relevant, but the inhabitants of traditional Gypsy and Traveller sites are denied them in respect of an essential part of their home: the amenity block. This, too, is unequal treatment. That is why this amendment mandates a review of the real-life implications of the exclusion of Gypsies and Travellers living in mobile homes on a site from the protections available to other citizens. I hope my noble friend the Minister agrees.