IWA has responded to a request for submissions relating to a public consultation on a fee review by Conservators of The River Cam.
This is because significant fee increases are proposed for commercial operators and rowing clubs along the river. Punt and tour boat operators face either a tripling of fees or a proposed levy of 5% of annual turnover. In contrast, private powered craft, unpowered craft and sailing vessels would face CPI-linked increases only. These proposals raise questions about affordability, proportionality and the impact on smaller operators and clubs along this stretch of water.
The Conservators say this is a shift towards full cost recovery, with implications for wider waterways funding and management. The Conservators receive no government or local authority funding and rely entirely on user fees to maintain navigation, infrastructure, safety and environmental management.
Responding, IWA recognises the financial difficulties facing the Cam Conservancy but this consultation highlights the inherent unsustainability of the Conservancy’s funding strategy.
The proposed registration fees are much higher than those charged by other navigation authorities for other similar vessels and threaten both waterways businesses and community groups.
IWA’s senior campaigner, Amy Tillson, said:
“The River Cam is a well-loved river, and is important for the local economy, but these proposals reveal that its navigation authority’s funding structure is no longer fit for purpose. A sustainable future for the Cam is needed, and without delay.”
We urge the Conservancy to learn from other successful waterways such as the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation, of similar size to the River Cam, which was turned around from near-failure to success. Managed by IWA’s wholly owned subsidiary, Essex Waterways Ltd, the navigation has gone from close to bankruptcy to a loved and successful local amenity, promoted by both Visit Essex and the local authorities.
The Navigation has become a model of efficient operation and sustainable management and it shows that other funding models are available.
