Park home residents and site owners in England and Wales will have more say on how disputes between them are resolved under a new consultation published by Communities Minister Iain Wright today.

The majority of disputes will now be heard by Residential Property Tribunals rather than county courts giving greater opportunity for both sides to put their case forward and reducing time and legal costs.

Many residents and site owners involved in disputes have raised concerns over the time and the cost of taking even the most minor cases to the county court.

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Under the Housing Act 2004 the Residential Property Tribunal Service already deals with cases similar to pitch fee reviews, recognition of residents associations and the sale of park homes which are proposed to be transferred to it.

Iain Wright said: "A long wait for justice and a high cost can put people off seeking a resolution to what may be a fair and justifiable issue. We believe that transferring the jurisdiction of disputes to the Residential Property Service will result in significant benefits to both residents and site owners in terms of the time it takes cases to be heard, and in terms of swifter access to justice.

"These proposals are another significant step in the reform of park home legislation and I encourage all with a view to come forward. "

(CD/JM)