22nd November 2022
To watch a recording of the debate on Parliament TV, click here.
18th November 2022
Michael Fabricant MP has initiated a debate in the House of Commons on the future of Britain’s canals and waterways. He is chairman of the Waterways All Party Parliamentary Group and the debate will be opened by Michael at 9.30am on Tuesday 22nd November.
“The Canal and River Trust are responsible for 2,000 miles of canals and rivers as well as infrastructure including 71 reservoirs and over 2,700 listed buildings. Much of these are over 200 years old and have to be maintained to preserve their safe operation” says Michael. “Regardless of whether you are a boater or just like walking along canal towpaths and enjoying the wildlife, our canal system is the envy of the world. Nine million people live within a 10-15 minute walk from an inland waterway and 83 per cent of them agree that these waterways are important to their area.
“But funding for these waterways is under threat. The Trust’s fifteen year grant expires in March 2027 and the grant is overdue for renewal. I shall be asking ministers to confirm the future of our waterways and towpaths. We cannot allow them to fall into disrepair.”
The Canal & River Trust owns and manages the 32 miles of our canal from Kiveton Park to the River Trent.
We urge all our supporters to contact their MPs to rally support for this debate.
The Canal and River Trust (CRT) is a registered charity which was founded in 2012, when the responsibilities, assets, and liabilities of British Waterways were transferred to the organisation.
One of the CRT’s main roles and responsibilities is to run and maintain its network of canals and waterways, however, the charity also carries out a wide and diverse range of activities for environmental and social benefit. To operate effectively it employs around 1,600 members of staff and also relies on the work of hundreds of volunteers.
The CRT receives revenue from a range of income streams, including boat licences and moorings however it currently receives around 24% of its income from a Defra grant which is guaranteed until 2026/27. Under the terms of the 15-year Grant Agreement (PDF) a review is taking place to consider whether, and if so, to what extent there is a case to continue supporting the CRT beyond the current grant period.