Pitch Fee Increase update 15/3/23

At our packed meeting on 2 March 2023 members agreed that the pitch fee increase of 13.4% is not justified and voted unanimously for the committee to try and negotiate a lower pitch fee increase.

We put a case to Royale on 3 March 2023 and they have replied to say they will not be reviewing the increase. So, here are the next steps.

If you agree with Royale’s 13.4% increase you should pay the new rate from 1 April 2023.

—- Next steps if you disagree with the increase —--

The association thinks that a 13.4% increase is unreasonable, especially bearing in mind the deterioration of the site and reduction of services.

Residents’ are not obliged to accept the increase. The law says, if we disagree with it then a tribunal can decide if it’s appropriate. You have no obligation to contact Royale to tell them either. However, it’s important you continue to pay the current rate. It’s as simple as that.

Royale would then have to apply to a tribunal (within three months of the review date) for them to decide. If a tribunal decides the increase is fair and reasonable, we’d have to pay it. On the other hand they may decide it’s too much and set a lower figure.

Don’t be put off or daunted by a tribunal. It’s a common way of deciding if a pitch fee increase is fair. It’s one of our rights as park home residents. Often it’s just dealt with in writing (they call this a ‘paper determination’). The association can support residents with the process and help set out reasons why we believe the proposed increase is unfair.

Questions?

If you have any questions you can email the association at rdprc2022@gmail.com

If you don’t use email you can pop a question in the association’s black post box on the clubhouse wall. Alternatively if you want independent free advice you can call the government’s own park homes advice service LEASE on 020 7832 2500.

Lots of residents have already told us they disagree with the increase and will just continue to pay the old rate. Feel free to let us know if you’re opposing it and if you’d like us to help.