The Broads Authority has invited comments on its proposal for a below-inflation increase in 2026/27 boat tolls of 2.5%, coupled with investment in some improvements to navigation.
This has been enabled, despite falling boat numbers, by a belated recognition by Defra that navigation is fundamental to the character of the Broads, bringing benefits to the economy, the natural and built environment, local communities and the lives of individual people.
IWA has previously made this case to Government, pointing out that adequate funding is needed for safety provision and maintenance, yet the Broads Authority has been the only major inland navigation authority not to receive government funding to support maintenance of navigation, only ring-fenced National Parks grant funding. IWA urged Government to recognise the need for financial support to ensure that navigation and the character of the Broads are maintained, and Defra has now responded by allowing more flexible use of National Park funding to support navigation – albeit without providing any new money.
IWA’s Navigation Committee has written to the Broads Authority setting out IWA’s concerns in considering next year’s tolls – that the current level of maintenance should not be degraded, improvements should be made to navigation where possible, and efforts should be made to stem the decline in boat numbers – and supporting the proposed increase in boat tolls.
[The photo shows boating and leisure activities on the Broads – by Charles Stride]
