Fit and proper person re‑applications for mobile home sites to open on 1 August

Councils are being reminded that the next round of fit and proper person assessments for residential park (mobile) home sites will begin on 1 August, with local authorities expected to be ready to receive and determine applications from site owners.

The update, issued today (14 May) by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), signals the start of the first major re‑application cycle since the regime came into force.

To support officers preparing for the workload, the Local Authority Caravan Site Licensing Forum, managed by Arun District Council, is running a programme of webinars from June. The sessions will allow licensing teams to share experiences, discuss challenges and highlight good practice. Officers can register by emailing pollution@arun.gov.uk.

The fit and proper person test was introduced on 1 October 2021 to ensure that those responsible for operating residential park home sites are suitable and competent. All site owners were required to apply at that time—either for themselves or for the individual appointed to manage the site—to be assessed and placed on the local authority’s register.

Individuals can remain on the register for up to five years, after which they must apply for re‑assessment. The upcoming 1 August start date marks the point at which many of the earliest approvals will begin to expire.

MHCLG has also reminded councils that guidance on implementing the test and setting a fee policy is available on GOV.UK.