Mobile home residents are to get greater protection from rip-off site owners.

Ways will also be found to make mobile home properties more straightforward to buy and sell.

Local council are to be given powers to fine, and if necessary ban, site owners.

Over 85,000 households live on 2,000 park home sites across the country, with some being charged excessive fees.

Housing minister Heather Wheeler said: “We know some people in mobile homes have been ripped off by rogue site owners who charge excessive fees and harass residents.

“To stop this, councils will be given powers to ban site owners who do not meet the standards expected of them.

“We will make sure they have the tools needed to protect the vulnerable, while allowing honest operators to flourish.

“Some mobile home owners have reported management charges increasing by as much as 50% year on year, and some residents paying additional fees of up to £300 a month.

“Often these site owners make it difficult for residents to raise their concerns, given their complex management structures. There have been reports of site owners trading under a number of different names.

“In one case a site owner was involved with around 13 companies under one holding company.

“This caused complications and extra expense for residents during court or tribunal cases and for local authorities when issuing enforcement notices.

“Ministers will be making regulatory changes and legislation will be introduced in due course when Parliamentary time allows.”

The Government will also set up a new working group whose agenda will include improving the sales process  of park homes and establishing best practice.