CAMC price increases

[Gellyneck]

Go around the site and see how many are hooked up. I suspect it will be 99.9% of MoHo’s.

Just to add to this.
We were on a C&MC site that has around 10 non-electric pitches and when we were there last (October 2020). Only 1 off them was occupied (over a period of 5 days) and only for 1 night. I would guess at around 80 - 90 (c65%) of the electric pitches were occupied constantly.

 

[82125]

Id expect a price increase because of the ridiculous energy prices now, what I find harder to accept is paying any VAT on my bookings, let alone 20% extra for next month, for a tax aimed at "luxury" items.
Living full time in a motorhome, having a place to stay is not a luxury! Having somewhere to dispose of waste responsibly and getting access to water are essentials and there is no "added value".

 

[SpeedyDux]

As well as non-electric pitches there should be a choice of pitches with restricted 6 amp EHU at a much lower daily pitch fee. That would be enough for my needs.

Until now I have been a low user of EHU on the C&MC sites. I am effectively subsidising other members with high electric demand, especially those caravanners who heat their awnings. The appeal of a fan heater in the van running off EHU has suddenly increased.

 

[Ivory55]

Id expect a price increase because of the ridiculous energy prices now, what I find harder to accept is paying any VAT on my bookings, let alone 20% extra for next month, for a tax aimed at "luxury" items.
Living full time in a motorhome, having a place to stay is not a luxury! Having somewhere to dispose of waste responsibly and getting access to water are essentials and there is no "added value".

Our council tax , water rates etc have all gone up living in a house too

 

[Coolcats]

For those wishing to influence CAMC and their policy applying for the appropriate role as they emerge could be one way of getting things done/changed.

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[funflair]

Just got our email

What can you do to help

Below are a few hints and tips to help reduce the cost of electricity usage when you are staying on one of our campsites.

If you have a solar unit on your outfit please use it as much as possible Make sure indoor and outside lights, any heating appliances and electrical equipment are all turned off when you go out for the day and overnight

So basically they are saying "we are increasing prices due to increased energy costs" which is mostly hook up use so OK I understand that costs are going up and need to be passed on then they want you to save electric by not using as much of what you have just paid for use solar as much as possible great but not that easy once you have plugged in so the best way to save energy would be not to plug in in the first place but they will still charge you so Win Win.

 

[Googlebot]

I think the Motorhome users don’t realise how dependant on hook up caravanners are in general.

We used to use a couple of CL’s without hook up with the caravan. They were without question always empty, even in Summer. Both owners always said instantly people would go elsewhere as soon as they mentioned they had no electric.

 

[Margaritaman]

We are able to afford to pay the increase so for us CAMC sites and what they offer still represent good value.

 

[funflair]

I think the Motorhome users don’t realise how dependant on hook up caravanners are in general.

We used to use a couple of CL’s without hook up with the caravan. They were without question always empty, even in Summer. Both owners always said instantly people would go elsewhere as soon as they mentioned they had no electric.

To be fair quite a lot of Motorhomes want electric as well, when I do a rally it can be close on 25% want power even in summer.

 

[Langtoftlad]

Maybe I'm wrong (OK, probably I'm wrong!) but the email I got from them was the increased costs for existing bookings wouldn't visible until 5th April so will yours increase (or not) on that date?

You're right, hadn't read my email properly

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[Gellyneck]

You're right, hadn't read my email properly

Can you say that a wee bitty louder? The other half started laughing when I told her!

 

[Langtoftlad]

Can you say that a wee bitty louder? The other half started laughing when I told her!

To phrase it correctly then for your dear lady...

You're right, hadn't read my email properly

I was wrong, hadn't read my email properly

 

[two]

CAMC have their roots in caravanning. The change of name (at great expense) seems to be the only recognition that motorhomes exist. The cost and use of electricity used to be small, before the price of it started to rise and units used it for more than charging batteries, but it would seem inevitable that the electric element will need to be charged for in future (especially if folk start using electric vehicles).
Caravaners tend to choose a location and stay there, making trips to surrounding locations in their tug. I tend to stop for a brief time and move on, needing next to nothing other than a flat pitch. A more successful model for motorhomes might be 'stop-over' locations with only water and dump - and where you could arrive or depart at any reasonable time of day.
I left that club a long time ago and have only rejoined when needing to meet up with others at one of their sites. There are plenty of alternative independent sites, some of which are cheaper. Not paying the membership fee is likely to have more impact than writing to complain...

 

[Gellyneck]

CAMC have their roots in caravanning. The change of name (at great expense) seems to be the only recognition that motorhomes exist.

C&MC have spent a fair amount on motorhome drive over service points at a number of their sites since the change. We seem to have been on most of them when they were doing it!

A more successful model for motorhomes might be 'stop-over' locations with only water and dump - and where you could arrive or depart at any reasonable time of day.

Agreed. That's where motorhomers should be spending their time and efforts if that's the facilities they want rather than trying to change the business model of the major Clubs or commercial sites.
Those efforts in Scotland are beraing some fruit, eg Dumfries and Galloway Council.

 

[two]

C&MC have spent a fair amount on motorhome drive over service points at a number of their sites since the change. We seem to have been on most of them when they were doing it!

That is, indeed, true.

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[phase3begins]

CAMC have their roots in caravanning. The change of name (at great expense) seems to be the only recognition that motorhomes exist. The cost and use of electricity used to be small, before the price of it started to rise and units used it for more than charging batteries, but it would seem inevitable that the electric element will need to be charged for in future (especially if folk start using electric vehicles).
Caravaners tend to choose a location and stay there, making trips to surrounding locations in their tug. I tend to stop for a brief time and move on, needing next to nothing other than a flat pitch. A more successful model for motorhomes might be 'stop-over' locations with only water and dump - and where you could arrive or depart at any reasonable time of day.
I left that club a long time ago and have only rejoined when needing to meet up with others at one of their sites. There are plenty of alternative independent sites, some of which are cheaper. Not paying the membership fee is likely to have more impact than writing to complain...

If you do start such a nationwide system of ‘stop over’ locations do let us know and I’m sure we will all visit your locations

 

[Ivory55]

I would think EHU would be in demand by the people who take their remoska, air fryers, etc for cooking or have air conditioning fitted, but we all know motorhome owners would never use anything like that. Haha

 

[PJGWiltshire]

After emailing the CAMC and pointing out their stupid letter seeking members to use solar to help reduce electricity usage. I also sought information around non electric bookings.
They responded as follows:


Thank you for your email.

The Club is exploring the possibility of opting out of electric hook up and paying a lower rate and also metered electricity on pitches.

In the meantime, I have added the site list for eco pitches for your information.

Club Campsite
2022 From price
(1 adult and a pitch)

Alderstead Heath Caravan Club Campsite £12.60
Altnaharra Caravan Club Campsite £8.50
Brora Caravan Club Campsite £12.80
Cheltenham Racecourse Caravan Club Campsite £11.60
Clachan Caravan Club Campsite £8.50
Crossways Caravan Club Campsite £10.40
Exeter Racecourse Caravan Club Campsite £9.50
Haycraft Caravan Club Campsite £14.50
Hunter's Moon Caravan Club Campsite £9.70
Marazion Caravan Club Campsite £9.60
New England Bay Caravan Club Campsite £10.30
New Forest Caravan Club Campsite £16.00
Plymouth Sound Caravan Club Campsite £9.20
Steamer Quay Caravan Club Campsite £14.20
Treamble Valley Caravan Club Campsite £10.60
Trewethett Farm Caravan Club Campsite £13.40
Willingcott Caravan Club Campsite £11.60

So something to have a look at.

Around the charging of electricity. Please do not hold me to task on this point I may be misinformed.
I am under the impression that only electricity supply companies can make a charge for electricity. Campsites do not fall into this bracket. I believe they are only allowed to charge an amount to cover the cost of the electricity supplied.
So by not being able to charge an amount for electricity there is no overall profit in charging over the odds.
So if it the case that to cover the CAMC electricity bill they put up fees the increase should only cover for the the electricity supplied. As mentioned earlier, if site fees just become eye watering and thus less attractive to visit, then the sites become losss making overall. So by introducing an opt in/out EHU policy and paying for the amount of electricity used at the suppliers rate, I can see that bookings will stay up for visitors.

 

[two]

It has been said that sites are not allowed to profit by selling electricity at a higher rate than they are charged by their providers. That sounds logical, but I have been on sites (and to marinas in a boat) in the UK where charges are made per kWh. In some places much higher charges have been made (up to £1/kWh) so I'm not sure that the original suggestion is entirely correct.
The CAMC decided to avoid the need to meter by adopting their current model and, maybe they thought they could profit out of the vagaries of working that way. Now that electricity is significantly more expensive, I think they will need to find a better control electricity. Clearly their membership is not one that's ready to reduce consumption. Maybe a modest 5A supply could be provided in place of the 16A ones (or whatever low rating can be used for a breaker). There really is little need for anything more.

 

[Gellyneck]

Whilst the Club may only be allowed to supply electricity at unit cost are they not allowed to charge what they deem acceptable for the infrastructure to provided this?
So, the electricity is supplied at £x \ kWh (cost) but there are overhead costs \ charges for the bollards \ cabling \ maintenance \ etc.

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[Andacami]

Costs will inevitably rise, as sure as death and taxes. What irks me is that as a "members club" that accepts annual fees to be a member, there is no consultation of these matters. They act as a profit making business which of course they are/must be and the profits come from charging more for a service than it costs and then adding on a member fee.

Does anyone know if there is a constitution? Or are they so far removed from a members club model that they don't have one...

Before CAMC and the like jump to the usual "pay us even more money so our directors can continue to have nice things' mode, why don't CAMC and others poll the fee paying members with ideas such as going to online mag instead of expensive ( monetary cost, environment, energy) paper mag - that would save many £Thousands.

I've never been a member of or led, any other club where the members are told what to do without any form of consultation.

Also agree that the email was very poorly written, illogical and just a little bit rude; I do hope the responsible party is brought to task...

 

[Ivory55]

Costs will inevitably rise, as sure as death and taxes. What irks me is that as a "members club" that accepts annual fees to be a member, there is no consultation of these matters. They act as a profit making business which of course they are/must be and the profits come from charging more for a service than it costs and then adding on a member fee.

Does anyone know if there is a constitution? Or are they so far removed from a members club model that they don't have one...

Before CAMC and the like jump to the usual "pay us even more money so our directors can continue to have nice things' mode, why don't CAMC and others poll the fee paying members with ideas such as going to online mag instead of expensive ( monetary cost, environment, energy) paper mag - that would save many £Thousands.

I've never been a member of or led, any other club where the members are told what to do without any form of consultation.

Also agree that the email was very poorly written, illogical and just a little bit rude; I do hope the responsible party is brought to task...

I am sure as a member you could go to the agm and tell them your views

 

[Andacami]

I am sure as a member you could go to the agm and tell them your views

Agreed. The more the merrier.

 

[Ivory55]

Agreed. The more the merrier.

You will have to let us all know how you get on

 

[PaulC70]

Ive not even had the email :-/

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[Fontie]

Ive not even had the email :-/

Might have gone into your Spam folder. They are probably sending emails in batches to avoid going to spam. Yours will come

 

[Andacami]

Ive not even had the email :-/

You might not get it if you do not have any sites already booked...

 

[Andacami]

You will have to let us all know how you get on

Not just me I hope Although happy to take views from others as proxy if acceptable and appropriately submitted.

Next AGM is 29th October 2022 in London (handy for me, can possibly be there personally).

Questions raised at the last AGM are available on the CAMC site along with agenda and reports; but that is history of course and this year's issues need to be raised or reiterated. I'll assume we can all read these for 2022 in the same manner when the time comes and you don't actually need me to let you all know...

 

[Ivory55]

Not just me I hope Although happy to take views from others as proxy if acceptable and appropriately submitted.

Next AGM is 29th October 2022 in London (handy for me, can possibly be there personally).

Questions raised at the last AGM are available on the CAMC site along with agenda and reports; but that is history of course and this year's issues need to be raised or reiterated. I'll assume we can all read these for 2022 in the same manner when the time comes and you don't actually need me to let you all know...

We never used big sites only cl so nothing in it for us.

 

[Ivory55]

I admit I do find it strange people buy something to use then complain clubs and sites don’t fit what they want. I would not buy a 200 mph car then moan we have the wrong speed limit. If something is not what suits a person why not go else where.

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