CRT have announced that they are to hold down licence fees to inflation from 2014

The Trustees of the CRT have decided to limit boat licence fee increases, for three years from 2014, to inflation only.  The decision was made at the same time confirming the third and final year of BW's planned licence prices which is an increase from 1 April 2013 by 4.6%.

NABO has long campaigned to limit licence increases and also to give a commitment longer term  than just year by year, and is delighted that the Trustees have responded. This enables boaters and businesses to plan ahead financially, and can give some reassurance to newcomers over the future costs. The boating market is key to the well being of the canals, and this will give a confidence booster.

NABO, whilst disappointed over next years increase, welcomes the longer term announcement and the commitment to support boating activities.

This is the full CRT statement:

15 October 2012

licence fees: 2013 and beyond

Trustees of the Canal & River Trust have decided to limit boat licence fee increases, for three years from 2014, to inflation only.  Their decision was made at the same time as endorsing the third and final year of British Waterways’ planned licence prices which will see licence fees rise from 1 April 2013 by 4.6% (2% above inflation).

Simon Salem, marketing director of the Canal & River Trust, said: “Whilst boaters alone can’t be expected to pay the full cost of looking after the waterways their boats are integral to the appeal of the canals and rivers and therefore to the ability of the Trust to win support from other sources.

“In making a three year decision to peg licence fees to inflation, we have listened to boaters’ clearly expressed desire for certainty over future fees.  We have also done what we can to limit increases recognising that the number of boats on the waterways has remained static and that boaters face significant financial pressures as part of the wider effects of recession.”

Ends