CL sites - how independent are they?

I don't know how factual this is, but last week, at a caravan dealer, we got chatting to a couple who seemed to have extensive experience in CLs and rallying.  The lady made two claims which, if true, might have some reason for concern among members.

1) She claims that the prices of CLs has risen sharply due to CC HQ imposing minimum fees on CL owners.  I cannot see how or why this should be the case - but is there any truth in this?

 2) Her second claim is that Travellers are buying up CLs, making some upgrades, then bumping up the fees.  Again, to me this seems improbable, although not impossible.  In most cases, a CL is an integral part of a larger property.  I cannot see a landowner selling land adjacent to his/her own to Travellers, or renting it out to Travellers.

What do fellow members think of these claims?