Published: Monday, 4th November 2024
A man who rented a poor-quality caravan to a young family as their home has been fined for breaching site licensing law, following an investigation and prosecution by the Borough Council of King’s Lyn
The young couple, along with their newborn baby, were found by council officers to be housed in very poor conditions within a static caravan positioned on their landlord’s property at Emorsgate, Terrington St Clement.
Anthony Paget had previously been warned by the council’s Housing Standards team that he did not hold the required licence to operate a caravan site and must not rent out his caravan.
In August 2023, the couple complained about their housing conditions to the council. The team immediately started an investigation, inspected the accommodation, and the family were able to find accommodation elsewhere.
At King’s Lynn Magistrates’ Court on 23 October 2024, Mr Paget pleaded guilty to two offences related to him operating a caravan site without a site licence and contravention of the fit and proper regulations. He was fined £134 and told to pay £1,540 costs plus a £54 victim surcharge.
Councillor Jo Rust, Cabinet Member for People and Communities, said: “We want to highlight that if you are a caravan owner, you cannot simply rent out a caravan for income without complying fully with the law around licensing and standards. If you ignore the rules, you risk the wellbeing of your tenants and put yourself at risk of prosecution.
“As this case demonstrates, we have a very proactive Housing Standards team who enforce caravan licensing rules as part of our work to improve housing standards across the borough and protect the most vulnerable in our communities. The rules are there to protect everyone and apply to everyone.
“Had he applied for a licence, officers would have attached a licence condition requiring the caravan to be changed to a quality residential-standard caravan, suitable for year-round occupation. I’d like to thank the officers for their swift and responsive action.”
If you are a tenant in West Norfolk concerned about the condition of your accommodation, contact the Housing Standards team on 01553 616200.