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Commission reviewing future framework for boat licensing launches public engagement

The Commission which is reviewing our boat licensing framework has today, 3 March 2025, launched a survey to hear from boaters and other stakeholders with a view on boat licensing.

Boating at Kintbury Boating at Kintbury

The survey

The survey will run until 9am on Tuesday 22 April. It covers both the experiences that people have had and any changes they would like to see to our approach to boat licensing.

It is anticipated that the Commission will make recommendations to our Board of Trustees in September 2025. 

The Commission is being chaired by Andrew Cowan, a former senior partner at Devonshires, a law firm. It also includes Penelope Barber, one of the elected boating representatives on our Council, and trustee Sir Chris Kelly, a previous senior civil servant and former boat owner.

We want to hear from you

Andrew Cowan comments: “Over the past 30 years there have been significant changes in the use of the 2,000-mile canal network managed by the Canal & River Trust. We have been asked to review the framework around boat licensing and to explore whether it is appropriate for the network’s future.

“As part of the process we are keen to hear from boaters and other stakeholders with a view on boat licensing. The responses will help us understand the views of different stakeholder groups and will be key to forming our thinking about the current licensing system and whether it can be improved."

Last Edited: 03 March 2025

photo of a location on the canals
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