Caravan fee row rumbles on

A proposed increase of £74 for static caravan rentals – which includes the fee plus rates and VAT – was on the table.

It was also proposed by the Corporate Director of Leisure and Development, Mr Richard Baker, that on-site caravan sales be offered to an outside agency for a one-year trial period.

The proposed agreement would compromise of an ‘up front’ fee per site per year, plus a set amount per caravan sold and sited.

However, the proposal didn’t go down too well with several councillors though, who complained that work which was due to be carried out at some of the sites had still not started.

“Here we are proposing a rent increase of 2.7 per cent for caravan owners, even though the work has still not been started,” said Alderman Bradley.

“The ampage at Carrick Dhu is still nowhere near what it should be – and there is also an issue with the drainage.

“In lieu of this work still to be completed, I propose there should only be a rise of one per cent.

“I also propose that we should not be outsourcing the sales in to the private sector. This is should be managed by council, so that the waiting list for caravan sites remains transparent.”

Cllr Christine Alexander agreed with Ald Bradley on keeping the sales aspect within the council – however, she said she felt that the proposed 2.7 per cent increase was modest.

“A lot of things are promised in the capital programme but never go ahead but we still have to pay our rates. This increase is on a par with other caravan parks,” said Cllr Alexander.