The first above-inflation increase in three years follows forecasts of a rising inflation rate between now and next summer
Licence fees for private and business boats will go up by 2.5% from 1 April 2017, the Canal & River Trust has announced.
Fees have been capped to inflation for the past three years, but the increase is anticipating a rise in next year’s prevailing inflation rate.
Mike Grimes, head of boating at the CRT, said: “Boaters are the backbone of our waterways and we know what a vital role they play. We also know that as a community they are as passionate about the future of our canals and support the rising volume of work that the Trust is able to fund.”
CRT stressed that the money raised will go to waterway maintenance. “I hope boaters can see we are investing in areas that make a difference to them,” added Mr Grimes. “We’ve put extra cash into dredging and cutting back off-side trees over the past few years, as well as the massive and growing programme of major works we carry out every year to keep our canals and rivers safe and navigable.”
The Trust has also announced it will be carrying out a wide-ranging review of the structure of boat licensing fees before any changes that will come in from April 2018. This comes after feedback from boating customers and the volunteers on the Navigation Advisory Group (Licensing and Mooring).
There will be engagement and consultation with boating organisations, clubs and societies, while individual boaters will have the chance to put views forward.
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