Is it right to transfer the Environment Agency’s navigations to the new waterways charity?
In October 2010 the Government announced its
intention to transfer the powers, duties and assets of British
Waterways (BW) in England and Wales to a new civil society body: a
new, independent 'national trust' for the waterways. As part
of the work to take this proposal forward the Government has been
considering whether the Environment Agency’s (EA) navigations
should be transferred to the new charity.
On Monday 28 February, Richard Benyon,
Minister for the Waterways, made a written statement to Parliament
announcing that the EA’s navigations would transfer to the new
waterways charity in 2015/16 during the next Spending Review
period, if affordable.
In his Written Ministerial Statement Richard
Benyon MP makes it clear that as a result of the work undertaken by
the Government, BW and the EA over the last few months he is
convinced by the compelling vision of a national trust for the
waterways that includes the BW and EA navigations. However, a
phased approach will be made to the delivery of this vision so that
assets and liabilities can be transferred sustainably. To
maintain momentum ahead of the transfer in 2015/16, subject to
affordability, a review will be undertaken in 2014 to assess the
progress and achievements of the new charity and to consider the
options for the transfer of the EA navigations.
The BMF is keen to ensure the best for the new
waterways charity and this decision gives thinking and preparation
time to make certain of a unified navigation authority.
Sustainability of the waterways must always be a priority. We
will work closely with the Government and other stakeholders over
the coming years to ensure a smooth transition and the best for
everyone involved.
The Government’s proposed approach will be
subject to public consultation as part of the forthcoming
consultation on setting up the new charity. We will ensure
that we monitor this and will alert all members as to when the
consultation opens as it is vital that everyone who should be
inputting has the opportunity to do so.
Howard Pridding
Executive Director, British Marine
Federation