Working Together - Effective Waterway Partnerships

25/03/2010

IWAC’s latest report offers guidance to the waterways world on forming effective partnerships to improve our rivers and canals. It identifies the following as essential for a partnership to be successful:

• Adopt a ‘can-do’ attitude and stick with it

• Communicate effectively at all levels and with all stakeholders

• Involve the local community

• Plan appropriately - agree a strategic plan

• Be clear about partners’ roles

• Be open and honest about problems

Cathy Cooke, co-author of the report and IWAC Member, launched the document at the waterway partnership conference 'Making Best Use of the Waterways' hosted by the North Yorkshire and East Riding LEADER partnership at Bishop Burton College of Agriculture.

Cathy said “Partnership working is widespread in the restoration and operation of our inland waterways. Advocated by the UK Government and many public, private and third sector organisations, effective partnerships can help provide long term sustainability for waterway projects.

However, for a wide variety of reasons not all waterway partnerships thrive. To help those involved, our report highlights examples of good practice drawn from successful waterway partnerships.

We hope our resulting guidance will help to reinvigorate struggling partnerships and set new ones along the right road to success.”

NOTE TO EDITORS

1) IWAC’s report “Working Together – Effective Waterway Partnerships” is available online at http://www.iwac.org.uk/reports

Printed copies are available via email request to iwac@iwac.gsi.gov.uk

2) IWAC received information from the following partnerships in England, Scotland and Wales:

i. Animating the Canal – West Dunbartonshire
http://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/building-and-planning/forward-planning-and-regeneration/environmental-improvement-projects/animating-the-canal-project

ii. Chesterfield Canal Partnership
http://www.chesterfield-canal-partnership.co.uk

iii. Kennet and Avon Canal Partnership
http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/leisureandculture/parksandopenspaces/riversandcanals/kennetandavoncanal.htm

iv. Monmouthshire & Brecon Canals Regeneration Partnership
http://www.newport.gov.uk/_dc/index.cfm?fuseaction=regeneration.canals&contentid=CONT105327

v. Sobriety Project
http://www.waterwaysmuseum.org.uk

3) 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 or on 020 7253 1745.

4) The 'Making Best Use of the Waterways' conference will lead to a Waterways Partnership covering North Yorkshire and the East Riding. For more details contact Claire Watts, External Funding and Policy Manager, East Riding of Yorkshire Council at claire.watts@eastriding.gov.uk or on 01482 391618

5) IWAC is sponsored by the UK Government (Defra) and the Scottish Government, offering advice to:
• the UK Government on matters relating to all inland waterways in England & Wales, and
• the Scottish Government on matters relating to canals in Scotland.
In addition, IWAC advises navigation authorities and other interested organisations and bodies
[End]

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Consultant Sought: Report on Waterway Funding

11/03/2010

The Inland Waterways Advisory Council (IWAC) is inviting bids by the end of Wednesday 31st March 2010 for a consultant to support IWAC in its production of a report on providing strategic options for the long term funding of the inland waterways in England and Wales.

Between May and September the successful consultant would read and review IWAC’s initial draft report, offering recommendations on and revisions to the report’s evidence, main lines of argument and its reasoning. In addition, the consultant would carry out a similar review of the report’s final draft.

IWAC is seeking to advise the UK Government on how best to achieve sustainable funding streams for inland waterways in England and Wales so that they can continue in the long term to provide broad economic, social and environmental benefits to the wider community. This is particularly relevant in the current context of severe pressure on public expenditure and, in the longer term, of ensuring that secure funding streams enable inland waterways to help local economies prosper.

IWAC’s report is intended to inform the debate on the funding of inland waterways in England and Wales for the next decade and beyond. It will be a comprehensive and thorough discussion of relevant funding issues and will present the implications of different options affecting the sources and quantities of funding for inland waterways in England and Wales.

Further information about the IWAC project and the criteria for a support consultant is given in the Terms of Reference, available by email request to: iwac@iwac.gsi.gov.uk

Bids should be emailed by the end of Wednesday 31st March 2010 to: iwac@iwac.gsi.gov.uk

Eight hard copies should also be received within one working day of the email deadline, sent to: Inland Waterways Advisory Council, City Road Lock, 38 Graham Street, London N1 8JX (FAO John Manning).

NOTES FOR EDITORS
IWAC is sponsored by the UK Government (Defra) and the Scottish Government. It provides advice to:
• the UK Government on matters relating to all inland waterways in England & Wales, and
• the Scottish Government on matters relating to canals in Scotland.
In addition, IWAC advises navigation authorities and other interested organisations and bodies.
[End]

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Funding for a Selection of Overseas Waterways

07/12/2009

The latest report from the Inland Waterways Advisory Council (IWAC) looks at the funding and income sources for a selection of overseas inland waterways in eight countries whose uses are similar to the majority of those in Britain.

IWAC’s report, researched and produced by specialist consultants Euromapping, found that from information received covering the 2005-08 period:

• At least 95% of income came from public funding for the vast majority of waterway examples, including the Erie Canal (United States) and River Lot (France).

• In Germany and France there was a trend to transfer public funding from national government to regional or local government sources – something considered and not adopted in Sweden.

• Road tolls were the source of public funding for the United States’ New York State Canal Corporation and, to a lesser extent, the Netherlands’ Drenthe Canals.

• 66% of income for Sweden’s Göta Canal came from property, private boats and trip boats.

John Edmonds, who chairs IWAC, said “Our report on overseas waterway funding and income sources revealed four main points. First, the significantly high level of public funding for overseas inland waterways. Second, the trend recorded in many of the European waterways surveyed to transfer funding from national governments to regional or local governments – which often led to a period of uncertainty whilst transfer terms were discussed. Third, the report highlighted how road tolls can, where long established such as in the United States, be used as a source of waterway funding. Finally, the importance of property as a substantial source of income for the very successful Göta Canal in Sweden, which can also act commercially on those assets.

Many politicians will be surprised by the evidence in our report that Britain’s main inland waterways are not as dependent on public funding, either from national or local sources, as many of their counterparts are overseas.”

IWAC’s report “Funding and Income Sources for a Selection of Overseas Inland Waterways” is available in the "Reports" section of IWAC's website (www.iwac.org.uk/reports).

Note to Editors:
1) In addition to being available online, a limited number of hard copies of the report are available via email request to iwac@iwac.gsi.gov.uk.

2) IWAC appointed inland waterway specialist consultants Euromapping (http://www.euromapping.com) to produce the report. Authored by David Edwards-May, Euromapping gathered its information primarily by interview from a selection of overseas inland waterways used mainly for amenity purposes and comparable to those in Britain:
o Rideau Canal and Trent-Severn Waterway, Canada
o Roubaix Canal, France
o River Lot Navigation, France
o Brittany Canals, France
o Espierres Canal, Belgium
o Brandenburg waterways, Germany
o Shannon-Erne Waterway, Ireland
o Drenthe canals, Netherlands
o Göta Canal, Sweden
o Erie and Champlain Canals, USA

3) IWAC has also recently published a parallel report “Insights into the Funding of the Inland Waterways of Great Britain”, available online only at http://www.iwac.org.uk/reports. IWAC will use the evidence from these two reports to inform its thinking and will publish later in 2010 a separate report providing options for the sustainable funding of inland waterways in Britain.

4) 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 or on 020 7253 1745.
[End]

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Insights into the Funding of the Inland Waterways

23/11/2009

IWAC today launched its latest report which provides an overall estimate, for the first time, of the size and sources of total income for the majority of navigable inland waterways in England and Wales and for canals in Scotland.

Covering the 2006-08 period, IWAC’s report found that:
• Navigation authorities in Britain had a total income of around £300million per year.
• British Waterways accounted for 71% of the total, the Port of London Authority and the Cardiff Harbour Authority for 16%, the Environment Agency for 9% and the Broads and smaller authorities the remaining 4%.
• Grant in Aid from Defra and the Scottish Government made up 34% of the income of British Waterways and Grant in Aid from Defra constituted 54% of the income of the Environment Agency.
• British Waterways’ property activities were a major source of its revenue, representing 18% of total income.
• Funding from local authorities accounted for less than 1% of navigation authorities’ total income.
• Licences, registrations, permits and tolls charged by navigation authorities accounted for 8% of their total income.
• Charges on users accounted for 82% of the total income for the Broads Authority which was used for navigation purposes, 14% for the Environment Agency and 6% for BW.

John Edmonds, who chairs IWAC, said “For the first time, our report provides a snap shot of the amount and types of funding and income which many of Britain’s navigation authorities receive. It clearly highlights the importance of Grant in Aid and income from property: British Waterways obtains almost a fifth of its total income from property activities – money which otherwise would have to be found from elsewhere.

Most local authority funding went to navigation authorities which local authorities either owned or managed. Based on the information provided, only one of the smaller navigation authorities which is neither owned nor managed by local authorities received significant local authority funding. This clearly highlights the challenge for the future funding of our inland waterways.”
IWAC’s report “Insights into the Funding of the Inland Waterways of Great Britain” is available online at http://www.iwac.org.uk/reports.

Note to Editors:
1) IWAC appointed consultants Fisher Associates (www.fisherassoc.co.uk) to gather information on revenues from members of the Association of Inland Navigation Authorities, members of the National Community Boats Association and museums which focus on inland navigable waterways.
2) IWAC will shortly publish a parallel report on the funding of a selection of overseas inland waterways. IWAC will use the evidence from these two reports to inform its thinking and will publish later in 2010 a separate report providing options for the sustainable funding of inland waterways in Britain.
3) 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 or on 020 7253 1745.

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Benefits of Inland Waterways

10/09/2009
LATEST RESEARCH

IWAC and Defra have published online the results of the first project in their joint research programme, funded by Defra, into the Benefits of Inland Waterways. Undertaken by consultants Jacobs, the “Benefits of Inland Waterways” is available in the REPORTS section of IWAC's website [http://www.iwac.org.uk/reports].

The report’s authors have reviewed and evaluated existing research literature to define the generic economic, social and environmental benefits of inland waterways. These include benefits from amenity such as walking and cycling, to other services provided by the waterways such as drainage and biodiversity; the increased value for waterside property, so contributing to regeneration, is also highlighted.

The report’s authors have then calculated a monetary value for many of these benefits to create a Benefits Transfer Valuation Framework. The Framework can be used on a stretch of inland waterway where those benefits occur, giving a value to the benefits of that particular waterway.

This monetary evidence of the potential economic, social and environmental benefits which arise from an inland waterway should help give additional confidence to potential investors in waterway related projects and regeneration.

John Edmonds, who chairs IWAC, said “This is important research. 80% of people in Britain live within five miles of an inland waterway. Canals and rivers add to our quality of life by providing benefits that range from leisure activities like boating, fishing and walking through to the regeneration of local communities by stimulating economic growth alongside the waterways. Our waterways can even be used to host initiatives to tackle social exclusion. The Framework produced by this research will enable us to quantify those benefits, helping to ensure that public and private money can be invested wisely.”

Note to Editors:
1) Defra has made £120k available in the 2008-10 period for a new inland waterways research programme, the first focus of which is assessing the benefits provided by inland waterways. IWAC is managing the programme overseen by a Programme Board chaired by Defra with members from Defra, British Waterways, the Environment Agency, the Association of Inland Navigation Authorities and IWAC.
2) The next phase being developed in the research programme is expected to apply the Framework to stretches of particular inland waterways. This will check whether the identified benefits from the research actually fit well with those realised in “real life” and will test the availability and applicability of the values given in the Framework.
3) For more information about Jacobs, check out its website at http://www.jacobs.com or contact Stefanie O'Gorman on Stefanie.O'Gorman@jacobs.com
4) 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 or on 020 7253 1745.
[End]

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New IWAC Members Appointed

20/08/2009
PRESS RELEASE
INLAND WATERWAYS ADVISORY COUNCIL: Seven New Members

IWAC welcomes the imminent arrival of seven new Members who begin their three-year appointments from January 2010.
The Waterways Minister Huw Irranca-Davies has appointed Mike Cooksley, John Dodwell, Amanda Nobbs, Tamsin Phipps, Colin Powell and Alan Stopher. The Scottish Minister Stewart Stevenson has appointed Ronnie Rusack.

Mike Cooksley is the Chair of Weaver Valley Management Board and Visit Chester and Cheshire, a board member of Natural Economy North West and a former vice-chair of Anderton Boat Lift Trust.

John Dodwell is the Chair of Commercial Boat Operators Association, a director of Freight by Water and a member of the British Waterways Advisory Forum.

Amanda Nobbs is the Chair of the Environment Agency Thames Regional Flood Defence Committee, a member of the Environment Agency Thames Regional Environmental Protection Advisory Committee and a former chief executive of the Council for National Parks.

Tamsin Phipps is the Public Affairs Manager for the British Canoe Union, an official for the International Canoe Federation and a volunteer for a local community narrow boat (the Falcon Adam).

Colin Powell is the Principal Country Parks and Grant Officer for Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council, a member of Afan Forest Park Tourism Growth Area Project Board and has a 25-year involvement with canals in Wales, in particular with restoration works on the Neath Canal and Tennant Canal.

Ronnie Rusack is the Chair of Seagull Trust Cruises, a member of British Waterways Scotland Group, a member of the Freshwater & Saltwater Group, a member of the Scottish Pleasure Boat Operators and was the sole owner/operator for 35 years of the Bridge Inn in Ratho which employed 70 staff and included two restaurants, four bars and three canal boats.

Alan Stopher is a retired Property Services Assistant Executive Director for Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council, a former project director of Huddersfield Canal Company and has advised on the Cotswold Canals restoration project by leading the Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council independent review team commissioned by Stroud District Council.

All of these new Members will replace those who are leaving IWAC at the end of the year.

John Edmonds said, “I am extremely pleased that Ministers in the UK Government and Scottish Government have appointed people to IWAC with a wealth of experience and expertise. Working together with our new Members, I look forward to continuing a successful and productive future for IWAC”.

Note to Editors:
1) After serving at least two three-year terms, the IWAC Members leaving at the end of 2009 are David Dare, Christine Johnstone, Wyndham Mitchell, John Pomfret and Fiona Willis. Due to demanding work commitments, Tim Osler has previously resigned the appointment.

2) IWAC members are unpaid. Ministers appoint a minimum number of twelve members, including two whom Scottish Ministers appoint. The Scottish Minister Stewart Stevenson has also reappointed existing IWAC Member Duncan McGhee for a further three-year period.

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.
[End]

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Annual Report 2008-09

04/08/2009

The Inland Waterways Advisory Council (IWAC) today issued its Annual Report for 2008-09.

Highlights include:
• observing first-hand how inland waterways are being used to tackle social exclusion, from a fact finding visit to the Sobriety Project in Goole, East Yorkshire;
• producing ‘Awareness and Appreciation of the Canal Network in Scotland’, which recorded the progress made since the Scottish Government produced its policy statement on Scotland’s canals in 2002;
• publishing ‘Balancing the Needs of Navigation and Aquatic Wildlife’, which offered guidance to everyone involved with non-tidal inland waterways, so that they can be used for sustainable navigation whilst protecting and, where practicable, enhancing biodiversity.

John Edmonds, IWAC’s chair, said:
“IWAC has had a busy and successful year in support of canals in Scotland and inland waterways in England and Wales.
Our plans for this coming year include us continuing the joint research programme, in partnership with Defra, into the benefits of inland waterways.
We will also publish a report on existing revenue sources for a selection of inland waterways in Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United States. This will help inform IWAC’s thinking and should help policy makers in this country when looking at sustainable sources of inland waterway revenues for the future.”

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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Climate Change: Mitigation & Adaptation

16/06/2009
Implications for Inland Waterways in England and Wales

IWAC today published its latest report showing how inland waterways can assist in mitigating and adapting to the effects of climate change.

The report identifies mitigation measures that include:
• increasing the amount of freight transported on waterways;
• using waterways as a source for cooling adjacent buildings;
• developing renewable energy sources, such as hydropower;
• reducing vessels emissions through improved boater education on engine use and speed.

Corresponding adaptation measures include:
• increasing data monitoring to help plan for anticipated drier summers and wetter winters;
• increasing storage for excess or surplus water during wetter winters;
• improving water conservation and supply during drier summers;
• adapting bankside, towpath and habitat management in anticipation of an increased growth in existing or newly arrived species.

John Edmonds, who chairs IWAC, said:
“Some degree of climate change is now inevitable. Action is required by everyone, including the inland waterway sector, to achieve the 80% cut required in all greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Inland waterway managers need to be prepared for the effects of likely increases in winter rainfall, reductions in summer rainfall, higher water and air temperatures and corresponding changes to waterway sedimentation.

Some of the mitigation and adaptation measures our report identifies can be delivered by improving awareness and education of inland waterway users. Most of the recommended measures require authorities to start actively preparing for their implementation now, otherwise tomorrow’s appreciation of our inland waterways risks being hampered due to today’s lack of action.”

Notes for Editors
1) The report is available on IWAC’s website at: http://www.iwac.org.uk/reports
2) Using a research grant from Defra, IWAC commissioned consultants Jan Brooke Environmental Consultant Ltd and Ian White Associates (Navigation) Ltd to research and produce the report.
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.
4) IWAC is sponsored by the UK Government (Defra) and the Scottish Government. It provides advice to:
• the UK Government on matters relating to all inland waterways in England & Wales, and
• the Scottish Government on matters relating to canals in Scotland.
In addition, IWAC advises navigation authorities and other interested bodies. [End]

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Combating Social Exclusion

16/04/2009
PRESS RELEASE
COMBATING SOCIAL EXCLUSION

The Inland Waterways Advisory Council (IWAC) today showed how inland waterways can be used to combat social exclusion.

Its new publication called “Using Inland Waterways to Combat the Effects of Social Exclusion” describes how a small number of local authorities and community groups, the British Canoe Union and the National Community Boats Association have cooperated to deliver a range of important social benefits, including:

• young people at risk of offending gaining transferable skills to help them find work;
• older people in care and people with disabilities becoming more independent after attending waterway residential courses;
• offenders on community service orders carrying out environmental improvements in the community;
• young people from different ethnic backgrounds learning to live and work together on a canal boat, promoting teamwork and social cohesion in the wider community.

IWAC’s publication also recommends that the UK Government should recognise and promote the value of inland waterway projects which help combat social exclusion.

The pamphlet contributes to the ongoing update of UK Government policy on inland waterways, expected by the end of this year to replace its existing policy document “Waterways for Tomorrow” published in 2000.

John Edmonds, who chairs IWAC, said:
“With 12 million people in Britain below the poverty line, with one of the largest prison populations in Europe and with a United Nations Children’s Fund report suggesting that we have some of the unhappiest children in the developed world, we need every weapon in the armoury to combat social exclusion. 80% of people in Britain live within five miles of a canal or river - this means that inland waterways are ideally placed to be used to combat social exclusion within people’s own local communities.”

Notes for Editors
1) The pamphlet is available on IWAC’s website at http://www.iwac.org.uk/reports
2) Hard copies of the pamphlet 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.
4) IWAC is sponsored by the UK Government (Defra) and the Scottish Government. It provides advice to:
• the UK Government on matters relating to all inland waterways in England & Wales, and
• the Scottish Government on matters relating to canals in Scotland.
In addition, IWAC advises navigation authorities and other interested bodies.
[end]

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Treasury Review of British Waterways

16/04/2009
PRESS RELEASE
GOVERNMENT'S WATERWAYS ADVISORY BODY ANXIOUS ABOUT OUTCOME OF TREASURY REVIEW

The Inland Waterways Advisory Council (IWAC) has today released the text of the letter which it has sent to Yvette Cooper, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, arguing that British Waterways (BW) should be allowed to retain the control of and income from, the property and investment portfolio that it has successfully managed for many years.

IWAC is concerned that the Government’s Operational Efficiency Programme (OEP), about which the Chancellor will report in next week’s Budget, will reduce BW’s income and therefore reduce the money which is needed to keep Britain’s valuable waterway network in good order.

IWAC notes that BW has “undoubtedly managed the investment and property portfolio extremely effectively”, and goes on to explain that “IWAC has seen the consultant’s report which demonstrates that BW has achieved a rate of return on its public assets that outstrips the relevant indices”.

After pointing out that “the Government will have no opportunity to sell the assets … at an acceptable price for several years”, IWAC concludes that, “in the absence of an alternative arrangement that will give at least the same level of public benefit, the assets should continue to be managed by BW”.

IWAC adds that a number of important reports are due to be published in the next few months which quantify the public benefits provided by the waterways and review alternative methods of funding. “IWAC suggests that the Government should wait until it has a full appreciation of the public benefits that might be put at risk before considering new financial arrangements.”

The full text of the letter is given below.

For further information please contact
• the IWAC office on 020 7253 1745 or
• John Edmonds, Chair of IWAC, on 07793 746814

Notes for Editors
1) IWAC is a statutory public body, created in April 2007 by the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 and is sponsored by the UK Government (Defra) and the Scottish Government. It provides advice to:
• the UK Government on matters relating to all inland waterways in England & Wales, and
• the Scottish Government on matters relating to canals in Scotland.
In addition, IWAC advises navigation authorities and other interested bodies.

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Letter To Yvette Cooper (7 April 2009)

Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP
Chief Secretary to the Treasury

Dear Minister

I am writing as Chair of the Inland Waterways Advisory Council (IWAC) to express IWAC’s anxiety about how the outcome of the Government’s Operational Efficiency Programme (OEP) might affect British Waterways (BW) and the inland waterways network.

IWAC was set up by the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 to provide advice to the UK and Scottish Governments on the development of Britain’s inland waterways. In 2007 the Waterways Minister also asked IWAC to act as a conduit so that the Government is properly informed of the views of inland waterway users and stakeholders. This letter is intended to discharge both of those responsibilities.

IWAC’s main concern is that Britain’s inland waterways are properly funded. The Government’s inland waterways policy was set out in Waterways for Tomorrow and we trust that you can reassure IWAC that the outcome of the OEP will not reduce BW’s opportunity to deliver the public benefits described in that farsighted statement.

Unfortunately IWAC has not been part of the OEP process and we have an imperfect knowledge of the discussions that have taken place. However the official statements that have been made and the media comments, some of which have clearly been based on detailed briefing, suggest that BW might lose control of, or lose the income from, the investment and property portfolio that it has managed successfully for many years. If this happens, BW would need replacement funding at an equivalent level. IWAC will be grateful if you will reassure us that, whatever changes are made in BW’s structure and financing, the Government will provide sufficient funds to ensure that BW is able to fulfil its statutory responsibilities and, on a continuing basis, to deliver the Government’s declared policies and ambitions for the inland waterways.

On the basis of Government statements and apparently well informed media speculation, IWAC understands that a number of arguments have been advanced to justify a change in the management of the investment and property portfolio currently held by BW. IWAC trusts that these arguments have been critically examined in the OEP process and that the effect of any changes on the sustainability of the inland waterways network has been fully considered. It would be reassuring to waterway users and stakeholders if you were able to give that assurance. BW has undoubtedly managed the investment and property portfolio extremely effectively. In 2000 John Prescott, as Deputy Prime Minister, specifically required BW to make full use of its development and investment opportunities; BW equipped itself accordingly and has carried out the Government’s mandate with great success. IWAC has seen the consultant’s report which demonstrates that BW has achieved a rate of return on its public assets that outstrips the relevant indices. As a result substantial sums have been reinvested in the waterways, the network has been enhanced and the benefits to the public have increased.

IWAC has heard the argument that it is inappropriate for a publicly owned body to manage an investment and property portfolio and that the assets should be sold to the private sector. IWAC is reluctant to get involved in ideological debate, but the fragility of this argument at a time when the Government is buying so many private assets in other parts of the economy is self evident. In any event, and because of the state of the markets, the Government will have no opportunity to sell the assets currently managed by BW at an acceptable price for several years into the future. IWAC’s conclusion is that, in the absence of an alternative arrangement that will give at least the same level of public benefit, the assets should continue to be managed by BW.

Of course IWAC does not suggest the present arrangements must continue without review into the indefinite future. Our proposal is that a review would be better undertaken at a later stage when new and important information becomes available. This need not involve a lengthy delay. Several significant pieces of work will be published during the next twelve months. In June the first report from the joint Defra/IWAC research into the value of the public benefits provided by the waterways is scheduled for publication. This will be the first time that well-tried methodologies have been used to calculate values and the report is expected to produce robust conclusions for future policy making. IWAC suggests that the Government should wait until it has a full appreciation of the public benefits that might be put at risk before considering new financial arrangements.

A second suite of work is being produced by IWAC. This summer we plan to publish two reports. One will fill an important gap in the Government’s knowledge by describing how all the significant navigation authorities in England and Wales fund their work at present and whether any significant changes are planned in the future. The second report will show how important recreational inland waterways across the world are funded, and will identify the strengths and weaknesses of those funding arrangements. These two pieces of work will feed into a major IWAC report planned for publication early in 2010 which will set out the options that are available for funding British inland waterways in a sustainable manner during the next two decades. IWAC suggests that it would be sensible for Government to consider the advantages and disadvantages of the various funding options put forward in our report before deciding on a new financial structure for BW.

As you will imagine, the announcement of the OEP caused considerable anxiety to the various waterway users and their organisations. You will have received letters explaining their concerns. Waterway user organisations work very closely with the many MPs who have rivers and canals in their constituencies and I have no doubt that a number of those MPs will have briefed you on the regeneration and other benefits that result from the current arrangements and on the need to provide secure funding for BW. IWAC’s own assessment is that many users and their supporters are suspicious of the Government’s motives in initiating this review: the prevailing opinion is that the Government is looking for a way to reduce spending on Britain’s inland waterways. If the Government announces new financial or funding arrangements, it is certain that these new arrangements will be subject to close scrutiny. In the opinion of IWAC, Government Ministers will immediately be challenged to give guarantees about future funding for BW and for the wider network. Unless clear-cut guarantees are given, the likely outcome is a long and acrimonious dispute similar to that which occurred two years ago.

Because of the seriousness of the situation I very much hope that you will be prepared to meet representatives of IWAC to discuss this letter and our anxieties for the future.

I am sending a copy of this letter to Hilary Benn MP, Huw Irranca-Davies MP and Gerry Grimstone.

Yours sincerely

John Edmonds
Chair of IWAC
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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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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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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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