Agenda item

To provide an update on the Mobile Homes and Caravan Site Licensing and Fee Policy (report of the Assistant Director – Wellbeing and Community Leadership enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Assistant Director – Wellbeing and Community Leadership which provided an update on the Mobile Homes and Caravan Site Licensing and Fee Policy. 

The report was introduced by the Service Manager - Safer Communities and the following main points were highlighted:

• The report outlined activities carried out by the Council in relation to the Mobile Homes and Caravan Site Licensing and Fee Policy; and
• An update to the policy was presented to the Panel and detailed at Appendix A; a minor change to the policy was highlighted at point 3.1.

Members considered the update and made the following comments.

• Members referred to point 2.1 of Appendix A and asked under which circumstances fees applied. The consistency of fee levels for different cases was also queried:
  • The Service Manager - Safer Communities responded that:
    • Where a local authority owned a site, it was not appropriate for charges to apply;
    • Local authorities had the power to waive fees for charitable organisations;
    • A standardised approach to fees applied for licensed activities; and
    • The application fee was separate to the Planning fee.

• Members asked whether any caravan sites were used to accommodate homeless people.
  • The Assistant Director – Wellbeing and Community Leadership confirmed that this was not the case.

• Members noted that some caravan sites were below sea level and asked whether flood warnings were in place for residents.
  • The Service Manager - Safer Communities confirmed that sirens were in place and residents/holidaymakers were encouraged to register for Flood Watch.

• Members referred to point 5.6 of Appendix A and queried the accuracy of the dates stated during which time applications needed to be submitted.
  • The Service Manager - Safer Communities confirmed that applications could be made at any time of the year and the point would be amended to reflect this.

• Members referred to point 5.9 of Appendix A and sought clarification on the type of background checks undertaken.
  • The Service Manager - Safer Communities responded that applicants were required to pass the ‘fit and proper person’ checks. This did not relate to an applicant’s employability unless employment related fraud had been committed.

• Members asked whether a licence application could be in joint names and therefore require more than one ‘fit and proper person’ check.
  • The Service Manager - Safer Communities responded that whilst a single site licence was required, where a legitimate business or personal connection was established, the application could include multiple individuals.

• Members queried whether DBS checks would be a cheaper option.
  • The Service Manager - Safer Communities confirmed that a basic DBS check was carried out as part of the required wider checks.

• Members noted that 50 registered sites required an annual inspection and asked whether the designated inspection resource, of one staff member, was adequate to ensure the work could be completed.
  • The Assistant Director - Wellbeing and Community Leadership stated that:
    • The SHDC officer was extremely experienced;
    • Partnership working had enabled capacity to be shared across the three authorities which offered support and resilience as required; and
    • The collaborative approach across the three authorities had also enabled the sharing of experience and best practice.

• Members asked whether residential caravan sites incorporated children’s play facilities.
  • The Service Manager - Safer Communities responded that the provision of play facilities varied. Safety issues, such as road layouts and speed limits, were determining factors; and
  • The Assistant Director - Wellbeing and Community Leadership stated that play equipment on residential caravan sites fell under the remit of the Private Sector Housing Team.

• Members queried the time allocated for tasks listed on page 13 of Appendix A.
  • The Service Manager - Safer Communities clarified that the breakdown represented an allocation of time for the purpose of fee calculation only. The time taken per task was logged and charged according to the rates stated; and
  • Fees and charges were reviewed periodically to ensure they were set at the correct level.

 AGREED:

After consideration of the Mobile Homes and Caravan Site Licensing and Fee Policy by the Policy Development Panel:

a)    That the contents of the report be noted; and

b)    That the comments of the Panel be noted.