Formal response to Regency's consultation on gas changes

This is a formal response from the Dunton Park (qualified) Residents’ Association following your ‘consultation’ received on 26 September 2025.

We held a General Meeting, and our members voted unanimously to formally reject your recent proposals to discontinue the communal LPG supply and require residents to purchase bottled gas independently.

This proposal constitutes a clear breach of the written agreements held by residents under the Mobile Homes Act 1983, which guarantees the continued provision of gas services as part of the pitch arrangements. The suggestion to shift responsibility to individual residents not only undermines these agreements but also raises safety, logistical, and financial concerns.

We remind you that:
- The written statement forms a legally binding contract, and unilateral changes to essential services are not permitted.
- Cost pressures do not absolve the site owner of their contractual obligations.
- Consultation, while appreciated, does not override individual agreements unless formally amended with each resident’s consent.

We have obtained pricing from Calor, which confirms that bottled gas purchased independently is currently cheaper than the rate charged on site. However, this comparison does not reflect the economies of scale available through bulk LPG deliveries, which are typically more cost-effective and safer for communal use. We therefore request that you source LPG from Calor or an equivalent supplier offering the lowest available bulk rate, in line with your duty to act reasonably and transparently.

You have previously acknowledged the availability of cheaper LPG prices, yet the proposals presented do not reflect bulk purchasing options. If you are unable or unwilling to source LPG from a cheaper supplier, we request a full written explanation of your reasons. This is a reasonable and practical request, especially given your own reference to lower prices.

We also wish to highlight that residents pay a monthly pitch fee for services, which is not an insubstantial amount. Many members are now questioning what they receive in return for this charge, particularly in light of proposals to reduce or remove essential services. The expectation is that this fee contributes to the provision and maintenance of communal utilities, including gas.

Another major issue is that we do not believe the consultation process has been carried out in line with the Mobile Homes Act. Residents were not provided with clear, consistent information, nor were they given adequate opportunity to understand or challenge the implications of the proposed changes. Consultation must be meaningful, transparent, and inclusive - not a substitute for proper legal process.

Whilst the Residents’ Association should be involved, it is your responsibility to collect responses in writing. Feedback should then be documented, and after the process, you are required to review all responses, consider reasonable objections or suggestions, and provide a written summary of the feedback and how it influenced the final decision. This cannot be achieved if residents are instructed to submit feedback to us rather than directly to you. We would remind you that not all residents are members of the Association. By only consulting and requesting feedback via the RA, you have denied non-members the opportunity to have their say.

Finally, we must raise serious concern over the tone and content of the letter sent to residents, which implied that the decision had already been made. You did not follow this with any amendment or clarification to residents directly, and as a result, we now have many who are worried and fear you may simply stop providing gas against their wishes.

We request written confirmation that:
1. The communal LPG supply will be maintained without interruption.
2. You will obtain LPG from the cheapest available bulk supplier, as identified by yourselves and residents.
3. No resident will be compelled to purchase bottled gas independently.
4. If you cannot agree to source a cheaper supply, you will provide your full reasons in writing.

Failure to comply may result in collective legal action to enforce the terms of our agreements and protect residents’ rights.

We trust you will treat this matter with the seriousness it warrants and look forward to your prompt response.

James
Secretary
Dunton Park Residents' Association