Boat owners who keep or use their vessels on Environment Agency (EA) waterways are being urged to have their say on newly proposed registration charges which will be introduced from 2022.
All boats kept or used on rivers such as the Welland and Glen must be registered with the agency, with registration charges contributing to the operation of the waterways as well as the upkeep and management of the rivers, locks and facilities.
The EA wants to replace the current scheme – which it says can be inconsistent and complicated for customers and replace it with what it calls a “fairer and simpler charging regime”.
The authority is also looking to soften the blow of an around £2m shortfall over the next three years.
The proposals include increased charge levels over a three-year period which it says is essential for delivering the required service to its boating customers.
This would see a six per cent increase in the first year (from January 2022), four per cent in the second year and held for the final year.
In Anglia the cost for an average-sized powered boat would go up from £639 to £736.
Alice Mayne, deputy director for Navigation at the Environment Agency, said: “Boat registration charges are hugely important for keeping our waterways open and making sure they are safe for both recreational boaters and those who rely on them for business.
“Our waterways also receive income from other sources, including the government and commercial activities, but for a number of years our funding has not met our investment needs, and this has impacted our standards of service and the condition of our navigation infrastructure and facilities.
“That’s why we are proposing a simpler, fairer and more transparent charging system that is consistent across our waterways. This is something our customers have told us they want, and following extensive engagement, we have now incorporated their feedback into our final plans.
“This additional funding will make us more financially resilient and ensure we can provide a more sustainable service.”
The consultation is open until September 16 and can be filled in online at https://consult.environment agency.gov.uk/environment-and-business/nav-boat-reg-charge/
