The review
The report concluded that boat licensing needs reform to reflect the current and future use of the waterways and noted the considerable work ahead for us to consider the recommendations in detail.
Current licensing arrangements will remain in place in the meantime.
The review shines a light on the varying needs of different types of boaters and gives insight into the scale and breadth of the problems they face. Its recommendations aim to make the licensing system clearer and easier for boaters while being more efficient for us to operate and enforce, for the wider benefit of all canal users.
A critical time
David Orr, our chair, said, “This report comes at a critical time for our ageing waterways, whose usage must continue to adapt to the needs of modern society. The Trustees and executive team welcome the recommendations and feedback received, and see this as an opportunity not only to reset relationships but also to revisit boat licensing arrangements so that they work better for boaters as well as for the Trust.
“The report’s conclusions have given us a great deal to reflect on. We will now take our time to consider the package of recommendations in more detail and will consult further in due course.”
Campbell Robb, our chief executive, said, “This is an important and timely report. The Trust will take the opportunity it presents to think hard about what more we can do for those who live, work or simply enjoy time on the canals. We recognise the need to work closely with boaters across the canal network to bring about improvements in relationships and to make the system work fairly and effectively.
“We also recognise the need for greater clarity and better communications in licensing arrangements and enforcement, and we are going to challenge ourselves to do better. We will continue to invest in our Better Boating Plan to tackle the issues that we know are important to the boating community.
“It is also clear that some of the issues the Commission has highlighted are a symptom of the wider housing crisis, driven in part by the cost of living. More people are finding it harder to afford somewhere to live and turn to the waterways as a solution, and more people are vulnerable. We know that the recommendations in the report will not solve this. While the Trust is not a housing charity, we do recognise this reality and we therefore echo the spirit of the recommendations to offer the support that we can, within our means, while not compromising our obligations to others.”
What next?
The Trust will now begin its detailed work on proposals for pursuing the recommendations in the report. We will take this forward as quickly as possible, recognising that some proposals will require relevant impact assessment, further consultation and engagement with boaters and others may require new or amended legislation. Further details will be published in the New Year.
