CAMC price increases

[Spriddler]

.....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.

Years ago I chose the option to not receive the mag. It was 90% Adverts, advertorial articles, syrupy members' letters and self-promoting froth.

 

[Andacami]

That's a good call will look into that.

The mag has probably not changed much I don't think...

To add for balance; others elsewhere have suggested the ad revenue may cover the print and distribution costs.

 

[cyberyacht]

The name change was merely a PR cosmetic exercise. No opt-out on EHU, No dump & Fill, No flexible arrival/departure times, Few "proper" drive over waste points. CAMC operates on an "any colour you like so long as it's black" basis. They are still wedded steadfastly to a caravan mindset.

 

[Jmcbeb]

Like many of you I really object to price rises on existing bookings. Whilst I understand the problem with electricity prices the tone of the email was very underhand trying to get sympathy on the back of Ukraine situation.
CAMC have really lost the plot over the last few years! If they didn't spend so much on stupid ideas like re-branding, pods, cabins etc and concentrated on savings such as reducing their own electric consumption by turning off night time lighting of toilet blocks and electric posts perhaps we wouldn't have to pay such ridiculous prices (when you can actually find a free spot due to their love of the rental companies)
I see "The Friendly Club" are offering some discounts. More power to them!

 

[Gellyneck]

The name change was merely a PR cosmetic exercise. No opt-out on EHU, No dump & Fill, No flexible arrival/departure times, Few "proper" drive over waste points. CAMC operates on an "any colour you like so long as it's black" basis. They are still wedded steadfastly to a caravan mindset.

Don't really see that.
Just because they don't offer the set-up you want doesn't mean to say they don't cater for motorhomes.
A lot of motorhomers seem to think they are catering for them as the C&MC sites we've been on over, at least, the last 12 months or so have had an "occupation mix" of between 50-80% motorhomes vs caravans. Pre-pandemic it was probably closer to 50-60% in favour of motorhomes.
Current site has a mix of around 70% motorhomes vs 30% caravans.
Motorhomes figures are including campervans which are probably making up about 33% of them.

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[Ivory55]

The name change was merely a PR cosmetic exercise. No opt-out on EHU, No dump & Fill, No flexible arrival/departure times, Few "proper" drive over waste points. CAMC operates on an "any colour you like so long as it's black" basis. They are still wedded steadfastly to a caravan mindset.

Apart from that what do you like that makes you be a member, haha

 

[EzeeRider]

Apart from that what do you like that makes you be a member, haha

CLs??????????????
ezee

 

[Ivory55]

CLs??????????????
ezee

And only 4 other people to get on your nerves, haha

 

[cyberyacht]

If it wasn't for the CL network, I'd be long gone.

 

[Spriddler]

That's a good call will look into that.

The mag has probably not changed much I don't think...

To add for balance; others elsewhere have suggested the ad revenue may cover the print and distribution costs.

Yes you can opt out of the mag, provided that you can find the right screen .

I think you'll find that the magazine is actually a significantly profitable activity due to the revenue from general advertising, 'Recommended Products' and 'Best Buy' advertorial articles.

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[Andacami]

Found it under communication/marketing settings in my account and I unticked magazine.

Sorry, it's all got a bit off topic...

 

[82125]

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

the VAT on them hasnt though, because they are not luxury items, and therefore zero rated for VAT.

 

[Ivory55]

the VAT on them hasnt though, because they are not luxury items, and therefore zero rated for VAT.

If you think it’s to much money buy a house and live in that. Everyone is experiencing prices going up it’s life

 

[82125]

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.

exactly this yes.
They are quite rightly allowed to charge for the provision, renewal and maintenance of the electricity supplies (which I know is extremely expensive).
But since the supplies arent generally metered in the first place I doubt its even possible (and possibly not even a requirement) to ensure they are charging no more than they are paying per unit supplied.

Rules regarding the resale of electric would only apply if sites start metering their supplies.

Personally, Im ok with paying more per night to cover increased energy costs. I spend most my time off-grid, (other than in Winter) I only go to sites to empty waste, take on water and kick back for a few nights enjoying having a 16a power supply.

I dont really see an issue with the new problem where electric car owners will start using the supply to charge their cars. There are already extra fees listed for additional requirements (serviced pitches, hardstanding, awning, pup tents, dogs, additional people, e.t.c e.t.c), CAMC could just add another fee for electric car charging.

 

[82125]

If you think it’s to much money buy a house and live in that. Everyone is experiencing prices going up it’s life

I have no interest in owning a house and being tethered by my wallet to the rat race. (sold my house and stepped off that particular hamster wheel years ago)
but you seem to be ignoring the point I was making.. VAT is not charged on luxury items. Its not a case of it being "too much", essential goods and services are ZERO rated for VAT.
As ive already said above I dont mind paying more for the site fee (as you say the price of everything is going up).
But I dont use sites for a "holiday", its not a luxury (which is what the VAT charge is for). Its an essential service (I'm sure if I started dumping grey and black waste at the road side instead it would become clear its an essential service).

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[Ivory55]

I have no interest in owning a house and being tethered by my wallet to the rat race. (sold my house and stepped off that particular hamster wheel years ago)
but you seem to be ignoring the point I was making.. VAT is not charged on luxury items. Its not a case of it being "too much", essential goods and services are ZERO rated for VAT.
I dont use site for a "holiday", its not a luxury. Its an essential service (I'm sure if I started dumping grey and black waste at the road side instead it would become clear its an essential service).

Blimey you like a grizzle. So basically anything that doesn’t fit in with you is ####

 

[82125]

Blimey you like a grizzle. So basically anything that doesn’t fit in with you is ####

ok, I give up. Clearly gone above your head.

 

[Ukbandit]

I see the Caravan and Motorhome club will be increasing prices due to the increasing costs of energy. That, I can live with. However, their statement says "The increase will be between 70p and £2.50 per night depending on the season and the campsite you are planning to stay on."

Why should it increase due to the season?

Because in winter you will use more electric than a warm summer day.

 

[philann]

They already do have a separate charge for charging electric cars. Perhaps the introduction of pods etc is looking to diversify their business in anticipation of a gradual reduction in the numbers of leisure vehicles and cars able to tow caravans as fossil fuel cars are phased out in the near future.

 

[emjaiuk]

ok, I give up. Clearly gone above your head.

With all due respect, if you still had your home, you would be paying standing charges for utilities, and rates tend to increase each year. The fact that disposal points and overnight stays are essential services to you isn’t the CAMC’s problem really

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[cyberyacht]

Because in winter you will use more electric than a warm summer day.

I wouldn't mind betting the greater increase is for the summer months though, so it will have little to do with electricity consumption.

 

[nicholsong]

With all due respect, if you still had your home, you would be paying standing charges for utilities, and rates tend to increase each year. The fact that disposal points and overnight stays are essential services to you isn’t the CAMC’s problem really

CAMC do not decide on what VAT is charged. That is for the government.

 

[Ivory55]

All those that had the furlough money has to be paid for somehow

 

[2657]

I have no interest in owning a house and being tethered by my wallet to the rat race. (sold my house and stepped off that particular hamster wheel years ago)
but you seem to be ignoring the point I was making.. VAT is not charged on luxury items. Its not a case of it being "too much", essential goods and services are ZERO rated for VAT.
As ive already said above I dont mind paying more for the site fee (as you say the price of everything is going up).
But I dont use sites for a "holiday", its not a luxury (which is what the VAT charge is for). Its an essential service (I'm sure if I started dumping grey and black waste at the road side instead it would become clear its an essential service).

What gives you the idea that VAT is only charged on luxury items?

 

[Gellyneck]

What gives you the idea that VAT is only charged on luxury items?

and as for Excise Duty on all the daily bare essentials like beer, wine, whisky, gin, fags, matches, diesel, etc!
Bl**dy deplorable!

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[x17ken]

The debate on VAT is totally irrelevant to the original question posed. VAT is a tax on the provision of goods and services. Government policy determines how the burden falls on individual goods and services. If you don't like the current weighting of the burden you can exercise your preferences through the ballot box at the next opportunity.

Now back to the the question of the site fees at CAMC sites. I have no doubt that the whole leisure industry is facing a real problem in absorbing the massive increases in costs that they are facing. They have simple choices - pass the pressures on - reduce the services provided (eg. cold showers, reduced lighting etc.) - or go bust. They don't have any alternative. So we must all accept that our lovely MoHo life is going to get a lot more expensive. I think there are things that manufacturers and site owners can do with metering - the technology exists. This would help level the playing field a bit to ensure that we all pay for what we use and not for what we suspect the guys around us are using for free in their awnings and on other appliances. Harsh new world I'm afraid. I for one would be happy to have a meter read on my van on arrival and departure if the site does not have the technology.

 

[Carolyn and Kev]

It's swings and roundabouts. I never know how much to put in and don't want to have to keep topping up in the middle of the night!

Having lived on a Narrowboat for a while we too had to use metered EHU points on our marina. Honestly...its the best way . You put a fiver in ..who knows ....you may use next to none? Very rarely did we have to top up in the middle of the night. We found the metered idea quite reasonable in comparison to those who were on a monthly fixed fee. Struth ...that was a price!

Kev

 

[Ivory55]

The debate on VAT is totally irrelevant to the original question posed. VAT is a tax on the provision of goods and services. Government policy determines how the burden falls on individual goods and services. If you don't like the current weighting of the burden you can exercise your preferences through the ballot box at the next opportunity.

Now back to the the question of the site fees at CAMC sites. I have no doubt that the whole leisure industry is facing a real problem in absorbing the massive increases in costs that they are facing. They have simple choices - pass the pressures on - reduce the services provided (eg. cold showers, reduced lighting etc.) - or go bust. They don't have any alternative. So we must all accept that our lovely MoHo life is going to get a lot more expensive. I think there are things that manufacturers and site owners can do with metering - the technology exists. This would help level the playing field a bit to ensure that we all pay for what we use and not for what we suspect the guys around us are using for free in their awnings and on other appliances. Harsh new world I'm afraid. I for one would be happy to have a meter read on my van on arrival and departure if the site does not have the technology.

But wouldn’t your meter have to be regular checked by weights and measure as it’s being used in the sale of goods , or would the campsite just have to take the motorhome owners word for it that it’s working properly ?

 

[x17ken]

But wouldn’t your meter have to be regular checked by weights and measure as it’s being used in the sale of goods , or would the campsite just have to take the motorhome owners word for it that it’s working properly ?

Think about it like this - you have a mileage counter in your dashboard, you cannot touch it or change it. It is possible for similar technology to be incorporated into a lightweight lecky meter for very little cost. Obviously international construction and compliance standards would need to be verified and agreed - and this would take a while - but this is the only way forward in my opinion.

 

[Gellyneck]

But wouldn’t your meter have to be regular checked by weights and measure as it’s being used in the sale of goods , or would the campsite just have to take the motorhome owners word for it that it’s working properly ?

and you'd need to remember to take your powerful magnet off the side of it when leaving the site!

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