Karl, a quick search turned up some planes that might meet your needs. All comments are what I scribbled down when I saw the planes, and all prices are in U.S. dollars. I'm assuming you meant 30,000 UK. Your dad isn't dreaming, you can get a nice used plane for around that.
Nicely outfitted 1976 PA28 Cherokee Warrior 49,800
Average 1981 Arrow IV 65,000
Nice 1960 PA24-250 Comanche 59,900
1975 Warrior 50,000
Nice 1963 Mooney M20C 42,000
Clean nice 1962 Cessna 172 32,500
Well Equipped 1971 Cessna 172 53,900
Very nice condition 1968 Cessna 177 Cardinal 49,900
Clean 1968 Cessna C177 Cardinal 36,500
Good condition 1972 Cessna 177RG 65,300
Be very careful when you go searching for insurance. I don't know how it is there, but here you will get exactly one quote. pick your insurer well. Explained here -
http://www.eaa.org/communications/ea...ce_market.html
A fractional ownership can be great, or it can be really bad. I suggest you research the larger fractionals like airshares and find what members have to say. I'd be very careful about single airplanes, but that doesn't mean that it's a bad idea, just be careful and find all you can about the other owners and the airplane itself.
If you have any other questions let me know.