The Environment Agency has confirmed today (Friday 10 November) that boat registration charges for the waterways it manages will increase in 2018/19.
The increases are the first since 2015/16 which marked the end of a three year period of minimal increases linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Implementing these increases is essential to help deliver the navigation service.
The increases are unchanged from proposals set out in July 2017 and on which boaters’ views were sought during a 6 week consultation process. This was carried out through national and local user groups with whom the Environment Agency works closely, and whose members represent the majority of private pleasure and commercial boating organisations active on its waterways.
The increases are:
· Charges for any powered boat kept, used or let for hire on Environment Agency waterways in 2018/19 will increase by 5.7% (Thames), 7.5% (Anglian) and 10% (Upper Medway).
· Charges for all unpowered boats (not houseboats) and those registered with British Rowing or British Canoeing, will increase by 7.7%.
· The Gold Licence will increase by 3.8%. This is based on the Canal and River Trust increase of 2.5% for 2017/18, and the Environment Agency increase of 7.7% for 2018/19.
The increases are supported by the Environment Agency Board and the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. They will apply from 1 January 2018 on the Thames, and from 1 April 2018 for all other waterways.
Mark Ormrod, National Navigation Manager says:
“We would like to thank all those organisations who shared their views, and those of the boaters they represent, with us. Their feedback was invaluable.
“While there was some divergence of opinion on our proposals, what was very consistent was the strength of feeling for our waterways felt by all our customers. We share their passion of course, and always strive to provide the very best levels of service we can.
“Through this consultation process, our customers have made it very clear what their aspirations and expectations are, and where they want us to do better.
“Alongside working hard to be as efficient as possible and to generate additional income from commercial ventures, implementing these increases is essential to help deliver the navigation service.”
The original consultation document, a summary of the consultation responses and the Environment Agency’s replies to the main points raised are all online at www.gov.uk/government/consultations/navigation-charges-consultation-201819