IWAC : Inland Waterways Advisory Council
Latest News
Funding & Income for Inland Waterways
02/12/2008
PRESS RELEASE
Report Start-Up: Funding and Income for Inland Waterways
The Inland Waterways Advisory Council (IWAC), following an open competition, has commissioned the consultants Fisher Associates to produce its latest report.
Its aim is to gather evidence of the existing types and amounts of funding and income of:
• navigable:
- inland waterways in England & Wales;
- canals in Scotland;
• organisations whose activities are dedicated to the current public use of the navigable inland waterways (i.e. inland waterway museums and community boat organisations).
Early in the New Year, Fisher Associates will be approaching members of the Association of Inland Navigation Authorities (AINA), the National Community Boats Association (NCBA) and inland waterway museums. Using questionnaires and telephone calls, the consultants will be seeking information and data on organisations’ funding and income sources.
John Edmonds, who chairs IWAC, said:
“I would like, in advance, to give my warmest thanks for the co-operation we will receive from the organisations approached by our consultants Fisher Associates. We truly value the time they can give to enable our report to be successful.
IWAC will use the evidence from this report to inform its own thinking. It will help us provide the UK Government with options IWAC believes would be likely to result in the long-term sustainable funding, for maximum social benefit, of navigable inland waterways.”
Notes for Editors
1. The report’s terms of reference are available via email request to iwac@iwac.gsi.gov.uk; it is planned to complete in Summer 2009.
2. More information on Fisher Associates is available at www.fisherassoc.co.uk.
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Scotland's Canals
16/09/2008
PRESS RELEASE
The Inland Waterways Advisory Council (IWAC) today published its latest report entitled ‘Scotland’s Canals, an Asset for the Future: a Review of Awareness and Appreciation of the Canal Network in Scotland’.
Scotland’s canals are a huge source of social, economic and environmental potential. IWAC’s report, produced by Glasgow based consultants Liddell Thomson, found:
• significant progress in delivering the Scottish Government’s canal policy framework;
• praise for British Waterways Scotland’s focus-shift towards the regeneration of Scotland’s Canals.
The report also makes four key recommendations:
1. Demonstrate the positive impact of canals through a network wide economic and social impact study.
2. Unlock the canals’ potential through the planning process, by establishing them as a national priority covered by supplementary planning guidance to help ensure local authorities embed canal development strategies in their Local Plans.
3. Maximise public and private sector engagement.
4. Mount a national canal awareness campaign to raise the profile and increase appreciation of the multiple benefits of maintaining and developing the Scottish canal network.
IWAC’s Duncan McGhie, the report’s project leader, said:
“Scotland’s canal network represents a remarkable, often beautiful asset with enormous potential. While the regeneration of Scotland’s canals has revitalised the inland waterways themselves, there is still more to do if we are to fully realise their worth. In congratulating British Waterways Scotland on all that it has achieved, we would call on everyone involved – particularly the Scottish Government, local authorities, VisitScotland and British Waterways Scotland – to make even more of Scotland’s other true liquid asset.”
Note to Editors:
1) The report is available on IWAC’s website at http://www.iwac.org.uk/reports. CDs of the report are available on request, on a first come first serve basis, via email request to iwac@iwac.gsi.gov.uk.
2) IWAC commissioned consultants Liddell Thomson to gauge the awareness and appreciation of Scotland’s canals amongst stakeholders since the publication in 2002 of the Scottish Government’s canal policy document, ‘Scotland’s Canals – an asset for the future’.
3) The Scottish Government has invested around £70million in Scotland’s canals over the last six years, helping to revitalise them. The £76 million Millennium Link development has restored a navigable passage between the Forth & Clyde canal and the Union canal. British Waterways Scotland has also successfully attracted £25million of Big Lottery Funding for the Helix development which plans to transform 300 hectares of landscape between Falkirk and Grangemouth into a thriving environmental community.
4) To discuss further, or if you have any comments or questions, then please contact:
• the report’s project leader, Duncan McGhie, at duncan.mcghie@ntlworld.com or on 07720 288447; or
• IWAC’s Policy Advisor, John Manning, at iwac@iwac.gsi.gov.uk or on 020 7253 1745.
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Annual Report 2007-08
12/08/2008
PRESS RELEASE
The Inland Waterways Advisory Council (IWAC) today issued its Annual Report for 2007-08.
Highlights include:
• IWAC’s call for the 2012 London Olympics’ legacy to be a showcase on how the Stratford area’s inland waterways could act as template for the rest of the country in providing local people with a focus for community activities;
• a fact finding visit to Glasgow and its surrounding area to look at how current and planned investment into Scotland’s canals helps areas in need of regeneration;
• the publication of ‘The Inland Waterways of England and Wales in 2007’, looking at progress in implementing policies for the inland waterways set out in the UK Government’s publication ‘Waterways for Tomorrow’ in 2000.
John Edmonds, IWAC’s chair, said:
“IWAC has had a productive and successful year in support of the canals of Scotland and the inland waterways of England and Wales.
Our plans for this coming year include undertaking a joint programme of research, in partnership with Defra, into the benefits of the inland waterways.
We are also gathering evidence of the existing funding arrangements for a selection of inland waterways in Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United States. This will inform IWAC’s thinking and assist any future comments regarding the funding of inland waterways in Britain.
We will also publish a review of whether awareness and appreciation of Scotland’s canal network has improved since the Scottish Government published ‘Scotland’s Canals – an Asset for the Future’ in 2002”.
Note to Editors:
1) The report is available on IWAC’s website at http://www.iwac.org.uk/reports.
2) To discuss further, or if you have any comments or questions, then please contact IWAC’s Policy Advisor John Manning at iwac@iwac.gsi.gov.uk or on 020 7253 1745.
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Technology Report
21/07/2008
PRESS RELEASE
REPORT ON INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
The Inland Waterways Advisory Council (IWAC) today issued its latest report entitled ‘Information and Communication Technology for the UK’s Inland Waterways.
The report recommends that those involved in managing the inland waterways should, in particular:
• consider the development of a UK-wide ‘smart card’ for access to, and to charge for, navigational services and waterway facilities;
• develop the ability for waterway users to licence and re-licence all UK inland craft on-line;
• appoint a single wireless internet (WiFi) supplier to provide services at designated locations across the whole of Britain’s inland waterway network;
• aim to collaborate better about operational information and communication technology (ICT), to improve the services offered to users of the inland waterways.
John Edmonds, IWAC’s chair, said:
“We believe that users of Britain’s inland waterways would see an improvement to their enjoyment of the network if navigation authorities adopt our report’s recommendations on the application of ICT to the inland waterways.
We also judge it likely that navigation authorities could improve the service they deliver to their customers whilst at the same time potentially reducing their costs.
We would urge everyone involved with the successful management of Britain’s inland waterways to read our report and adopt its recommendations”.
Note to Editors:
1) The report is available on IWAC’s website at http://www.iwac.org.uk/reports.
2) Ian White Associates produced the report for IWAC; its principal is a former director of technical development at British Waterways (BW) and a former chair of the Association of Inland Navigation Authorities (AINA).
3) To discuss further, or if you have any comments or questions, then please contact IWAC’s Policy Advisor John Manning at iwac@iwac.gsi.gov.uk or on 020 7253 1745.
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Balancing Navigation & Aquatic Wildlife
02/07/2008
PRESS RELEASE
The Inland Waterways Advisory Council (IWAC) today issued its latest report entitled ‘Britain’s Inland Waterways: Balancing the Needs of Navigation and Aquatic Wildlife’.
At its launch in London, representatives from the Association of Inland Navigation Authorities (AINA), British Waterways, the Environment Agency and Natural England all welcomed the report.
John Edmonds, IWAC’s chair, said:
“IWAC is very aware of a few high profile cases where boaters and wildlife organisations have come into conflict about the use of our inland waterways. Our report examines whether it is possible to manage our inland waterways so that they can be used for boating while also being used to promote the needs of aquatic wildlife.
The good news in our report is that the vast majority of inland waterways can be effectively managed to deliver aquatic wildlife benefits as well as sustainable navigation. This need not involve significant additional costs providing the right plans are put in place at an early stage of waterway restoration or maintenance work.
However we also found that a small number of inland waterways, both in use for navigation and with plans for restoration, are of such importance for aquatic wildlife that extra consideration is necessary in their design and management. This includes measures such as limiting boat movements, boat speed or the type of vessels using them.
Our report sets out what we regard as best practice for the restoration and operation of inland waterways. It offers key recommendations for government and regulatory bodies, navigation authorities, development agencies, local authorities, waterway related businesses and voluntary sector organisations.
We are confident that all stakeholders in the inland waterways will welcome the findings of IWAC’s report.”
Note to Editors:
1) The report is available on IWAC’s website at http://www.iwac.org.uk/reports
2) Hard copies or CDs of the report are available on request, on a first come first serve basis, via email request to iwac@iwac.gsi.gov.uk
3) To discuss further, or if you have any comments or questions, then please contact IWAC’s Policy Advisor John Manning at iwac@iwac.gsi.gov.uk or on 020 7253 1745.
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Visit to the Chesterfield Canal
11/06/2008
PRESS RELEASE
VISIT TO THE CHESTERFIELD CANAL AND A SUCCESSFUL WATERWAY PARTNERSHIP
The Inland Waterways Advisory Council (IWAC) visited the Chesterfield Canal on Wednesday 4th June to see an example of the progress of a successful inland waterway partnership.
John Edmonds, IWAC’s chair, said:
“The Chesterfield Canal Partnership demonstrates how a successful partnership is an essential key to restoring, maintaining and promoting an inland waterway.
Such partnerships have committed member organisations made up of local authorities, statutory and non-statutory bodies, the voluntary sector and private enterprise. They have agreed clear aims and objectives, helping the waterway to thrive and progress.
Taking the Chesterfield Canal as an example, it started from a low point in the 1960s of 25 navigable miles. Since the formalisation of the Chesterfield Canal Partnership in 1995, the canal now has 33 navigable miles. There are also well advanced plans for the restoration of another 9-mile section of the canal.
This is excellent progress and a testament to the hard work and commitment of the Chesterfield Canal Partnership and its member organisations.
IWAC believes that this excellent partnership offers a successful model for others to copy throughout the country.”
Note to Editors:
1) The Chesterfield Canal Partnership consists of 15 organisations: Chesterfield Canal Trust, British Waterways, Bassetlaw District Council, Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire County Council, North East Derbyshire District Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, Inland Waterways Association, Environment Agency, Natural England, Groundwork Creswell, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust. For more information see http://www.chesterfield-canal-trust.org.uk/ccp.shtml.
2) To discuss further, or if you have any comments or questions, then please contact IWAC’s Policy Advisor John Manning at iwac@iwac.gsi.gov.uk or on 020 7253 1745.
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Scotland’s Canals, an Asset for the Future
05/02/2008
The Inland Waterways Advisory Council (IWAC) has commissioned the consultants Liddell Thomson to undertake a review of the 2002 policy document “Scotland’s Canals, An Asset for the Future”, published by the Scottish Executive (now Scottish Government) in 2002.
The review will concentrate on how awareness and appreciation of the canal network in Scotland has improved since the document was published. In addition and most importantly, the review will identify future opportunities to increase awareness of Scotland’s canals.
The intention is to consult a broad range of stakeholders for their views and ideas. IWAC will present the review to the Scottish Government following its publication in the summer.
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Decreasing Our Carbon Footprint
22/01/2008
PRESS RELEASE
The Inland Waterways Advisory Council (IWAC) today issued its paper on freight, entitled ‘Decreasing Our Carbon Footprint – Moving More Freight onto the Inland Waterways of England and Wales’.
John Edmonds, IWAC’s chair, said:
“We believe that increasing waterborne freight transport could make a useful contribution towards meeting the UK Government’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 60% by 2050.
Research suggests that transporting freight by water instead of road has the potential to reduce by three quarters the amount of carbon emitted.
Successful examples in the UK and elsewhere in Europe demonstrate that our inland waterways can provide a viable and environmentally friendly means of transporting freight.
IWAC’s paper sets out the current situation regarding freight on the inland waterway network in England and Wales. It recommends how waterborne freight could be increased in the future.
Two key recommendations are:
1. Better promotion of waterborne freight by the water freight industry and navigation authorities, with Sea and Water playing a major role.
2. The UK and Welsh Assembly Governments undertaking a comprehensive study of the opportunities for, and barriers to, increasing freight transport by water, aiming to produce recommendations that can be adopted as a useful contribution to reducing the UK’s carbon footprint.”
Note to Editors:
1) ‘Decreasing Our Carbon Footprint – Moving More Freight onto the Inland Waterways of England and Wales’ is available online at http://www.iwac.org.uk/reports/.
2) To discuss the document further, or if you have any comments or questions, then please contact IWAC’s Policy Advisor John Manning at iwac@iwac.gsi.gov.uk or on 020 7253 1745.
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Inland Waterways of England and Wales in 2007
08/10/2007
PRESS RELEASE
The Inland Waterways Advisory Council today published its latest report to Government, ‘The Inland Waterways of England and Wales in 2007’.
John Edmonds, the chair of IWAC, said:
“Our report reports on progress in implementing the policies contained in the June 2000 policy statement ‘Waterways for Tomorrow’, published by the then Department for the Environment, Transport and Regions.
In our report we assess the progress made in eight areas of policy. Overall the progress has been encouraging:
‘…the implementation of the policies in Waterways for Tomorrow has improved the waterways immensely. In many respects the implementation has been thorough and the results have been impressive.’
However IWAC expresses concern that the waterways still do not have settled funding arrangements, a problem which came into sharp focus when Defra made in-year cuts in Grant in Aid to British Waterways last year. We were also disappointed that disadvantaged groups in England and Wales still do not have the easy access to the waterways that the Government set out as a policy objective in Waterways for Tomorrow.
IWAC was also encouraged to look ahead and make recommendations for future policy. We accepted that challenge enthusiastically and have made 17 recommendations to Government which is our blueprint for the future of the inland waterways in England and Wales.
Two key recommendations are:
1. Government should establish an inter-departmental committee for the inland waterways of England and Wales. This should be made up of representatives of those Government departments with lead responsibilities for environmental improvement, regeneration of local economies, heritage, recreation, planning and transport. The purpose of the Committee would be to ensure that Government policy for the inland waterways is carried through by all relevant departments of Government.
2. In partnership with IWAC and the Association of Inland Navigation Authorities (AINA), Defra should take the lead in the new inter-departmental committee to produce a new and up to date policy statement for the development of the inland waterways of England and Wales. This statement should give due attention to climate change, environmental improvement, public health and community cohesion.”
Note to Editors:
1) The report is available online at http://www.iwac.org.uk/reports/. There are a limited number of copies available on CD, available on request from iwac@iwac.gsi.gov.uk or 020 7253 1745.
2) To discuss the report further, or if you have any comments or questions, then please contact IWAC’s Policy Advisor John Manning at iwac@iwac.gsi.gov.uk
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AINA Conference 27 September 2007
13/08/2007
AINA (Association of Inland Navigation Authorities) Annual Conference:- The Water Framework Directive - what it means for inland waterways
This year's AINA Conference will be held at the City Conference Centre in London on 27 September and will assist the inland navigation community by addressing the implications of the Water Framework Directive - including obligations, costs and the timetable for action.
Further information is available on the AINA website:-
http://www.aina.org.uk/
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IWAAC Annual Report 2006-7
13/08/2007
The Council’s latest Annual Report is now available on the website in the Reports section.
It has been a productive and interesting year for the Council, with a range of activities in support of inland waterways in England, Scotland and Wales.
Highlights include the publication of ‘Inland Waterway Restoration and Development Projects in England, Wales and Scotland’, the Council’s third review on this matter following the well-received reports of 1998 and 2001. The Council also went on a fact finding visit to the Olympic site in East London and Prescott Lock, which on completion will provide non-tidal access for 350 tonne barges to the Olympic site, reducing the reliance on road transport for the site’s construction materials.
Our plans for this coming year include:
• a report on navigation and aquatic wildlife on the non-tidal waterways;
• a monitoring report looking at the progress made on the inland waterways since publication in 2000 of the Government’s policy document ‘Waterways for Tomorrow’;
• a report on the funding sources of the inland waterways; and
• an advisory policy statement on increasing waterborne freight in order to reduce CO2 emissions.
This is the last annual report from IWAAC, which on 1 April this year became the Inland Waterways Advisory Council (IWAC).
If you have any comments or questions regarding the report then please contact IWAC at iwac@iwac.gsi.gov.uk, on 020 7253 1745 or via our office address.
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Launch of Restoration Report
19/04/2007
PRESS RELEASE
Canal Side Launch of IWAC’s Review on Inland Waterways Restoration
John Edmonds, chair of the Inland Waterways Advisory Council, paid tribute to the work of volunteers in enlarging and restoring Britain’s when he launched its latest report on waterways restoration at the Wey & Arun Canal in Loxwood, Sussex on 16 April.
The report takes stock of the progress made on inland waterway restoration and development projects in Britain since 2001.
John Edmonds said, “I am delighted the Wey & Arun Canal Trust invited me to Loxwood to launch IWAC’s latest progress report on the restoration of our waterways. The rebuilding of Brewhurst Lock and the steady restoration of the Wey & Arun canal is a magnificent example of what a dedicated team of volunteers can achieve in restoring disused canals – many of which have been derelict for over 100 years”.
The IWAC report is entitled ‘Inland Waterway Restoration and Development Projects in England, Wales and Scotland (Third Review Report December 2006)’. It provides a snapshot of the restoration scene, and reviews the progress made in over a hundred restoration and development projects. The report lists nine significant projects completed since 2001, 90 projects where progress continues and 20 projects included for the first time. It also contains a brief commentary on changes in policies and funding affecting the restoration scene, to provide pointers for the way ahead.
John Edmonds comments, “If the hundred or so projects are completed, our inland waterway network will be expanded by nearly a third,”
The Wey & Arun Canal Trust has just finished rebuilding Brewhurst Lock, the majority of the work done by volunteers. This completes phase two of its three-phase project to reinstate the canal crossing under the main road in Loxwood, West Sussex.
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Please note that the Report is available as a pdf file in the Reports section of this website.
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New Policy Adviser for IWAC
13/04/2007
John Manning became policy adviser to IWAC in March 2007 and supports the Council by providing professional input and advice to enable it to maximise the quality and quantity of its output.
He has previously worked for the Environment Agency and its predecessor local authority organisations as a waste regulation officer and a water quality officer. In 2000 he became a policy advisor for government within Defra and then the Department for Communities and Local Government. This has seen him introduce secondary legislation to help fire and rescue services prepare for disruptive terrorist incidents, as well as working in the area of diffuse water pollution and assisting in the implementation of the Nitrates Directive in England.
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Four New Members appointed to IWAAC
05/03/2007
John Edmonds, the Chair of the Inland Waterways Amenity Advisory Council (IWAAC), is pleased to welcome, Neil Edwards, Martyn Heighton, Derek Scott, and Michael Whitbread to Council. All four have been appointed to Council by Waterways Minister Barry Gardiner for a period of three years, up to 31 March 2010.
Mr Edwards is the Chief Executive of the Inland Waterways Association and has a wide knowledge of the needs of the waterways network’s many diverse users.
Mr Heighton is currently the Director of National Historic Ships and has been involved in the regeneration of Bristol Docks and the Albert Dock in Liverpool.
Mr Scott is an economist who has worked and advised on economic issues at the highest levels of Government and business.
Mr Whitbread has worked in the civil service and as a consultant. He has been involved in business development and regeneration work in the UK and abroad.
John Edmonds said, “I am delighted that the Minister has made these appointments. Our new colleagues bring a wide range of expertise and experience to IWAAC. I look forward to working with them”.
Note to Editors:
On 1 April 2007 IWAAC is renamed as IWAC and becomes the government’s formal advisory council on waterways issues. IWAC intends to concentrate in the next few months on funding issues and has commissioned researchers at Sheffield Hallam University to assess the national and local economic benefits of investment in the waterways.
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New IWAAC/IWAC Study of Waterways Funding
22/02/2007
Following the cuts in the money allocated by Defra to British Waterways and the Environment Agency, IWAAC has decided to launch a major examination of how our inland waterways should be funded in the future.
As part of the study, researchers at Sheffield Hallam University are conducting a review of the economic benefits of investment in the waterways. As the first part of the study the researchers are collecting together all recent work on the regenerative effects of investment.
If you know of any reports or surveys that will help the researchers or might contribute to the IWAAC study, please send details to: iwac@iwac.gsi.gov.uk
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Cuts to Navigation Budgets
12/09/2006
IWAAC EXPRESSES GRAVE CONCERN AT CUTS TO NAVIGATION BUDGETS
The Chair of IWAAC, John Edmonds, has written to David Miliband, Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and Barry Gardiner MP, Minister for Biodiversity, Landscape and Rural Affairs expressing grave concern about current cuts to navigation budgets. A press release has also been issued. The text of all three documents is given below.
PRESS RELEASE 12 SEPTEMBER 2006
IWAAC EXPRESSES GRAVE CONCERN AT CUTS TO NAVIGATION BUDGETS
The Inland Waterways Amenity Advisory Council (IWAAC) has warned the Government of its grave concerns at the implications of Defra cuts to the budgets of British Waterways and the Environment Agency, the country’s two largest inland navigation authorities.
Speaking after his first meeting as newly appointed Chair of the Council, John Edmonds said:
‘Council Members are gravely concerned at initial indications of the severity of the cuts imposed by Defra. Waterways stand to lose tens of millions in Government funding over the next few years. This would threaten much of the progress made since Government published its policy framework Waterways for Tomorrow in 2000.
‘Our concern is for all those who rely on a vibrant waterway scene – the millions of users of all kinds, businesses which have flourished in recent years and local communities enjoying the benefits of a well-maintained system.
‘I have no doubt that Defra remains committed to the policies enshrined in Waterways for Tomorrow but these policies rest on a sustained Government funding commitment which until now has not been in doubt. It would be tragic if mismanagement in one part of Defra has the effect of creating a lower baseline for future funding elsewhere, putting at risk what has been, until now, a Defra success story.
‘The Council will be monitoring closely the impact of the cuts on the future well-being of the waterways and we will be advising Ministers accordingly.
Notes for editors:
IWAAC is the statutory advisory body to Defra and British Waterways on the use and development of BW waterways in England and Wales. It also advises Defra on waterway issues generally.
For further information, please contact Diana Wray on 020 7253 1745 or iwac@iwac.gsi.gov.uk
LETTER TO DAVID MILIBAND
The Rt Hon David Miliband MP
Secretary of State
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
11 September 2006
Dear Secretary of State
CUTS IN GRANT-IN-AID TO BRITISH WATERWAYS AND THE ENVIRONMENT AGENCY
I have written today (copy enclosed) to Barry Gardiner expressing the Council’s grave concern at the implications of the cuts in Grant-in-Aid support being imposed on the two largest navigation authorities, British Waterways and the Environment Agency, as a result of the crisis in the Department’s financial affairs.
The IWAAC Council cannot understand why one of the Department’s success stories of recent years, the revival of the national inland waterway system heralded in your policy document Waterways for Tomorrow in 2000, should be put in jeopardy because of mismanagement elsewhere in your Department.
For the businesses and communities and the millions of users and visitors reliant on a vibrant waterway scene the concerns are real. Your Department should be aware of the distress and anger that would result if there is a return to the years of neglect and under-funding which prevailed up to 1997.
As the statutory advisory body to your Department, the Council has a duty to advise you on the implications of the cuts. We shall be monitoring these closely and report to you again as necessary.
Yours sincerely
John Edmonds, Chair
LETTER TO BARRY GARDINER
Barry Gardiner MP
Minister for Biodiversity, Landscape and Rural Affairs
11 September 2006
Dear Minister
CUTS IN GRANT-IN-AID TO BRITISH WATERWAYS AND THE ENVIRONMENT AGENCY
At the Council meeting on 24 August, Members heard initial indications of the severe problems being faced by British Waterways and the Environment Agency in coping with the cuts in GIA funding imposed by your Department during this financial year.
The Council wishes to express to you its grave concern at the implications for the future health and well being of the major inland waterways in England and Wales. The waterways managed by BW and the Agency comprise over three quarters of the national system. Government financial support through GIA has underpinned their revival over the last decade, enabling a wide range of third party funding to be levered in. The reinvigorated waterways have stimulated growth in waterway-related businesses, multiplied economic and social benefits for local communities throughout the country and boosted a thriving voluntary sector.
If the cuts establish a new and lower baseline for Government funding, the Council believes that much of this progress will be put at risk and one of the most successful policies for which your Department has lead responsibility will be jeopardised.
As you know, your predecessor commissioned the Council to report on the implementation of the Government’s policy document Waterways for Tomorrow 2000. Our draft report reflected the Government’s commitment to the waterways since publication and the optimism which this generated. However the funding cuts are likely to change the situation significantly and we will need to assess the effects carefully before we finalise our report.
The Council will monitor closely the impact of the cuts and we will advise you further when we understand the full consequences of the cuts for the future of the inland waterways.
I am writing in similar terms to the Secretary of State.
Yours sincerely
John Edmonds, Chair
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Stratford-Upon-Avon