Keeping canals open for navigation

Annual report highlights

Our annual report and accounts for 2024-25 reflect both the all-time low in our key performance indicator (KPI) of boater satisfaction, but also our response, in the period of analysis and stakeholder engagement that gave rise to the Plan for Better Boating. Pages 23-25 show the breakdown of income and expenditure. Boating and mooring contributed £55.2m (23.7% of overall income), of which private licences make up £29.5m (12.7%), in an increase driven mainly by the rise in licence fees. Meanwhile, the now-fixed government grant contributed less in real terms at £52.6m (22.6%).  

Although overall expenditure was down on the previous year, direct spending on maintaining the network for navigation continues to represent the bulk of our outgoings. Our commitment to improving boater satisfaction is also reflected in the addition of a new KPI (see page 15): the number of unplanned navigation stoppages greater than 48 hours. Our target for 2025-26 is fewer than 170 (182 in 2024-25). This, combined with our 2025-26 target of 60% boater satisfaction (54% in 2024-25), relies on the prioritisation of boating throughout the Trust backed by £3m investment in the Better Boating Plan and an additional £4.5m committed to improving essential boater facilities.

Key facts and figures:

• 60,000 tonnes of dredging removed
• 18.6 miles (30 km) towpath resurfaced
• 135 new lock gates installed in winter works programme
• £21.3 million spent on upgrading 22 large raised reservoirs
• 6,800 tonnes of waste collected

Protecting our licensing income

Our licensing compliance and enforcement team plays a key role in protecting our revenue from boat licences, as well as improving the service for licensed boaters and ensuring the waterways are managed fairly. In parallel, our welfare team is there to help boaters who are struggling get the support they need, in order to keep them licensed and cruising in line with their licence requirements, and reduce the need for costly boat removals.  

In September 2024 we launched our new welfare team, doubling it in size and allowing more referrals to be handled. This resulted in the increase in new cases per month listed below.

The most common areas of support are adjustments under the Equality Act 2010, financial difficulties, health concerns, and advice or support with boat licensing and movement. When a boater's support needs are met, we can close the case: this might mean they are now licensed, claiming benefits, or being supported by another organisation.

Key enforcement figures:

• 101 unlicensed boats removed 
• 90.1% of boats are licensed - more info can be found on our National Boat Count 2025 page

Change in Leadership

In July 2025, we bid a fond farewell to Richard Parry, our Chief Executive Officer of 12 years. Richard played a pivotal role in the transformation of Canal & River Trust from its origins as British Waterways, guiding its evolution into the expansive charitable organisation it is today. 

We now look ahead to a new chapter as we welcome Campbell Robb as our incoming CEO. Joining on 6 October 2025, Campbell brings a wealth of leadership experience from the charity and public sectors. Most recently, he served as Chief Executive at the social justice charity Nacro. His previous roles include leading the housing and homelessness charity Shelter and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Housing Trust. Earlier in his career, Campbell was the first Director General of the Office of the Third Sector in the Cabinet Office. 

We’re excited to welcome Campbell and look forward to the vision and direction he will bring to the Trust as we continue navigating the opportunities and challenges ahead.