Published on: 29 July 2021
The Environment Agency has published a new consultation on its proposals for future boat registration charges on its waterways. The proposals, if implemented, would take effect from 1 January 2022.
The consultation, which runs until the 16 September 2021, sets out the Agency’s current financial situation and the reasoning for the proposals which are set to impact the River Thames, Anglian Waterways and Upper Medway. It also contains a breakdown of which activities the Agency carries out as a navigation authority and which aspects boat registration will pay for.
The consultation asks for feedback on:
- a new proposed charging framework to ensure a consistent charge scheme across waterways managed by the Environment Agency
- proposed annual increases in the charges for a three year period from 1 January 2022
- proposed changes to the requirements for registrations of business boats
The proposed charging framework would include fixed charges for all unpowered open boats and workboats; an additional top up charge for business boats, the introduction of common fixed charges where sensible – and a revised pro-rate approach for refunds and part year charges.
For the three year charging plan, the navigation authority is proposing an overall increase in charges of 6% in year one, with a further 4% in year two, and 0% in year three – which equates to a 10.2% increase over the three years.
As part of the consultation, feedback is also being sought on future proposals which include:
- online boat registration
- boat naming and identification
- charging on the River Wye
- the introduction of a rolling year to the boat registration charges
For further information on the proposals and what they might mean for you, please read the consultation document.
