RYA prepares to respond to Environment Agency’s Boat Registration Consultation

The Environment Agency (EA) has launched an open consultation on newly proposed plans to introduce registration charges on all boats kept or used along its waterways.

As the second largest authority of navigable waterways in the country, the EA has set forward a plan to replace the current registration scheme with a new charging regime which would simplify the process across its three main waterway areas: the non-tidal Thames, the Upper Medway, and Anglian waterways (Rivers Great Ouse, Nene, Stour, Ancholme, Welland and Glen).

The proposals, which are part of a wider Navigation Business Plan for the EA, would include an increase in charge levels over a three-year period. This would see a 6% increase in the first year (from January 2022), 4% in the second year and held for the final year.

Overall, there are 28,000 registered boats on the EA’s waterways: 98% of these are in private use, the remaining 2% are business customers. The EA has outlined that the extra funding received from the registration charges would contribute to the operation of the waterways as well as the upkeep and management of the rivers, locks and facilities. Its proposals are aimed at developing a consistent, fair and transparent scheme that more closely reflects the true cost of the service it provide for our customers’ benefit.

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.”

Howard Pridding, RYA Director of External Affairs, commented: “Following a review of the proposed options set out by the EA, the RYA will be delivering a full and considered response to the consultation on behalf of our members. The waterways managed by the EA are popular travel destinations for inland boaters and we feel that it is important that the EA take a holistic approach when identifying new funding options.

“The RYA would also like to encourage inland boat owners who keep or use their vessels regularly on EA waterways to also participate in the consultation.”

To have your say on the proposals for boat registration charges on the EA’s waterways please click here.

The consultation closes at 11:59pm on 16 September 2021.

If you have any questions regarding boat registration or any of our other current affair issues, please visit the Representation page on the RYA website or email cruising@rya.org.uk.