Middle Level Commissioners set licence fee for boaters to use their waterways

Boaters wanting to enjoy many of Fenland's waterways face paying fees and tougher enforcement, despite pleas from local MP Steve Barclay to reconsider the plans.

Middle Level Commissioners (MLC), which is one of the four largest navigation authorities in the country looking after over 100 miles of navigable waterways in this area, agreed to introduce charges for boats at a meeting of its navigation advisory committee (NAC) yesterday (Tuesday).

The NAC was set up to look at the future plans for the management of the MLC's water systems and also the future cost of licensing for boat owners.

In a press release issued following the meeting the MLC explained they had decided to set their licence fee in line with other comparable authorities such as the Cam Conservators and the Environment Agency.

The MLC's statement said: "The NAC did appreciate that boaters, who have for years been able to benefit from Middle Level waters for nothing, will not welcome paying fees."

But said: "After extensive discussion the NAC determined that it was reasonable for navigation fees to be set in line with those of the Cam Conservators and the Environment Agency (Anglian waterways)."

The move will generate an income of between £150,000 and £180,000, which will go some way towards the MLC's expenditure on managing and maintaining the navigation elements of its water courses.

The statement explained this year the team had been expanded to include a full-time navigation officer, and said the MLC spends in excess of £200,000 looking after the waterways.

It added: "This is set to increase with the introduction of licencing, policing and improvements to the system."

Mr Barclay last month said he had been contacted by "many boat owners on the Middle Level, who are furious at the scale of the increase in the price MLC have set for their boat licences".

He said he would be contacting all the bodies concerned "as to why given the current economic climate boaters are not being engaged more constructively."

And he added: "I urge Middle Level Commission to apply a more proportionate approach."

In their statement following the decision to impose licence fees the MLC said the NAC had listened to calls for a phased introduction of fees.

As a result it said the NAC had "resolved the following initiative to reward those who currently use our waters".

Fees will be set at the same level as the Environment Agency’s Anglian waterways but for those vessels that are licenced here before December 31 will get a 25 per cent discount offered against the 2021/22 licence fees - any boats licence after that will not receive the discount/

The requirement to be licenced before enforcement action is considered will now similarly be extended to December 31.

Boats that have already applied for licences will automatically receive the discount and it concluded: "It is hoped that vessel owners yet to apply will appreciate that the NAC have been listening to concerns over charging, but also accept that the balance of general and agricultural ratepayers subsidising navigation needs to be redressed, and that for investment in provision of facilities to occur, and for us to implement and police a licencing system, will require adequate funding."