The IWA is also critical of BW's manner in making the licence fee consultation ‘one sided’ and offering no alternative thinking or solutions to the funding deficit.

In announcing the IWA’s funding consultation Dr Roger Squires, chairman of the IWA’s navigation committee, said: 'IWA is fundamentally unhappy with both BW and the government because neither appears to have got its act together regarding funding of the waterways. We don’t see this impasse being resolved quickly so IWA intends to take the initiative and seek to present to the navigation authorities and government alternative solutions to bridge the funding gap. In doing this IWA intends to offer waterway users something sadly lacking from BW and government of late; that is, the opportunity to be properly consulted, and have their say on how they think the waterways should be funded, and an opportunity to participate in some ‘out of the box’ thinking.'

He went on to say: 'IWA considers that whilst we have to very reluctantly accept that BW has insufficient funds to meet its needs, caused by past government mismanagement which now needs to be made up; pushing boaters to fund these through licence fee increases that are way above inflation is untenable. IWA members have a vast wealth of experience and knowledge and we are inviting them to fully participate in shaping the thinking on how the future of the waterways can be safeguarded for all and drive the debate forward with some positive problem solving.'
Members and other interested parties wishing to make a contribution are invited to email them to Jo Gilbertson, at funding@waterways.org.uk or to write to Jo Gilbertson, IWA, 3 Norfolk Court, Norfolk Road, Rickmansworth, WD3 1LT marking correspondence ‘Funding’.