BW Grant
As predicted and feared, BW's grant in aid for 2007/8 has
been set a level reflecting this year's reduced funding. Don't be misled by
figures which include a repayment of moneys outstanding on a loan for the
Sheffield and South Yorkshire Navigation upgrading. BW heard on the 22nd Dec
that in real terms the DEFRA contribution to its GiA would only be £55.5
million. The Scottish Executive has maintained its promised funding.
This is a disappointing outcome and shows DEFRA are still
resisting the pressure from the waterway community, so we see no reason to
relax this pressure.
I would ask that everyone keeps up contact with their MPs,
and, where there is a waterway in the district, get your local Councillors on
board as they can support your MP, and put pressure on their Party too. The
key-word with Councillors is 'Regeneration'.
Even if DEFRA can't be swayed about funding in the near
future, your MPs should also be asking them to ensure proper waterways funding
in the next CSR - Comprehensive Spending Review, which deals with medium term
money allocation plans. DEFRA ministers have promised to ensure BW is
adequately funded in the future, however what they understand by 'adequately'
should be put to the test. The promise alone costs them nothing.
Putting DEFRA's challenges to the test
To consolidate our understanding I have been challenging BW
as a 'devil's advocate' using the paper that DEFRA handed out at the
Parliamentary Waterways Group meeting in December.
- DEFRA claims the job losses were not the fault of the
cuts. This is true to some extent: BW is always looking to reduce its wage
bill, as is any business, and some posts were identified as possibly redundant.
However the grant cuts are forcing BW to shed posts BEFORE they become vacant,
which, of course, means compensation payments and therefore less effective
savings. BW is right to highlight this, it is being forced to waste money - and
yet DEFRA is still recruiting!
- DEFRA claims that a few million is chicken-feed compared
with BW's total income, and even more so compared with the £452M that BW
has had from the Government since 2000. That argument should be turned round to
ask why DEFRA can't restore the cuts as it is chicken-feed compared to its
budgets and losses.
What that money has done since 2000 is to allow BW to grow
its network for the nation, and in consequence its maintenance commitment, and
now DEFRA want to spoil the ship for a ha'porth of tar and all the confidence
that went with it. The only option is for BW to start contracting its network.
Try mentioning that to Councillors in wards proud of their waterways.
The network isn't in crisis yet and spreading too much alarm
and despondency might be counter-productive at this stage by destroying the
confidence of other investors in the waterways. However the effects of reduced
grant, especially if it goes on falling in real terms (i.e. taking into account
inflation of wage and construction costs) would spell disaster in a few year's
time if BW is only left enough money to bodge repairs out of what's left over
after steadily increasing day-to-day running costs.
As for the rising income from property, it helps but is not
enough and it is risky. DEFRA can't expect BW to run waterways on risk.
If your MP or Councillor knows about infrastructure
maintenance they might understand how a small drop in maintenance budget can do
disproportionate damage. Get them to share that knowledge with the 'ignorami'
in DEFRA.
DEFRA accuses boaters of only contributing 13.5% to the cost
of running the waterways - what infernal cheek so single out boaters in a
meeting where all interests were represented! How much do all the others out of
the estimated 300 million visits to BW's waterways actually pay? How much does
Government subsidise other public amenities per visit? What was that about the
cost to the public purse of maintaining Hyde Park? Exercise the Freedom of
Information Act!
What next?
- • Keep your MPs in touch - don't let their interest
flag or be beaten down by DEFRA or whips.
- Make a submission (brief and pithy) to the EFRA Committee
as outlined in the last NABO News
- Join the tidal Thames convoy on 15th January
- Join or organise the next SoW events (3rd and 4th March)
and get MPs and Councillors to them - they love the publicity
- Get more signatures on
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/SaveOurWaterways/ - time it broke the 4000 barrier
(While you are at it get more signatures on http://
petitions.pm.gov.uk/Boat-diesel/ That is close to 1000 and rising)
- Enjoy your boating in 2007
Good luck and keep up the good work.
Stuart Sampson
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