FUEL PRICES SOAR Residential homes


and there is not much you can do to reduce consumption but there are some things that can make a difference. When you make a cup of tea do you boil a full kettle or just enough for the tea? Have you changed all light bulbs to the low energy lamps. Are outside lights on a timer? Do you have a hot water cylinder? How hot is the thermostat? Turning the thermostat down just a little will


THIS winter your fuel prices could rise by as much as 18% as the cost of gas and electricity has increased. There are some things you can do to protect your self against these very high increases.


If you have access to a computer go on line to one of the many comparison web sites. Simply type into Google, ask or another search site “compare gas and electricity suppliers” Go to a site such as uSwitch and follow the instructions. Prices and tariffs vary so much and are a changing target. Check that your current tariff doesn’t have a penalty for leaving and decide if switching is right for you. It could save you money this winter. To a certain degree if you need heat and light then you have to have it


save on standing losses and may be safer and prevent scolding from the hot taps. Loft insulation should be checked and increased if possible and check the insulation on your hot water cylinder.


Discount


Some Energy companies have deals on energy monitors to allow you to see your electricity usage. E.on offers a smart meter for £27 and if you join British Gas Energy smart you can get a free smart meter. If your income is below £16,190 British Gas and E.on offer a warm home discount and warm home discounts are also available if you are in receipt of some benefits from the four big suppliers, British Gas, E.on, EDF, and Scottish Power.


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IN the 1950s a “residential caravan” was little more than a larger version of a touring caravan.


By the 1970s residential caravans had moved considerably closer to conventional housing having dedicated kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms. This improvement in the accommodation generated the first name change and these units now became know as “mobile homes”. By the beginning of the 21st century the homes had become substantially larger (often exceeding 900 sq. ft.) and substantially better fitted out. This increased size with its reduced mobility brought yet another name change and they are today know as “park homes”.


Changes to legislation in 1968, 1975, 1983, 2006, and 2011 have progressively increased the rights of residents on a park home estate to the point where today they probably have better legal protection that others enjoy in bricks and mortar.


Luxury


A modern park home will probably only move once, from the factory to the park where is will remain for many years to come. It will normally come fully furnished with such items as leather suites, integrated appliances in the kitchen (such as microwave, dish washer, fridge /


freezer, washing machine / tumble dryer) a study already wired to take the computer, and, typically, two bedrooms both with their own bathroom. The level of luxury related to the asking price of most homes tend to make conventional housing appear very expensive for what it is. Being factory built a modern park home does in fact have certain advantages over conventional building in that it’s structure has always been warm and dry and it is never exposed to the elements until it is a finished item. Compare that with the exposure a conventional built receives while it is under construction. Like almost any other form of housing a new park home today comes with a 10 year structural warranty.


The park home industry has come a long way since it’s birth over 60 years ago. Many parks now keep show homes and various exhibitions are held throughout the year at a number of different locations. Why not inspect a modern park home. You may be very pleasantly surprised. The park home industry is regulated by legislation and by membership conditions of the British Holiday and Home Park Association (BH&HPA) and the National Park Homes Council (NPHC). It is generally recommended that you should only deal with a park who is in membership of one or the other (or both) trade associations.


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8 Care in the Community ~ Autumn 2011


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