Resolution at Liberal Democrat Spring Conference

Conference regrets that:

1. The government grant for British Waterways in 2006-07 has been cut by 12.5%.
2. These cuts are in large part related to loss of revenue through the Government's appalling bungling of the Single Farm Payment Scheme (SPS).
3. British Waterways have announced that they will be compelled to axe 180 jobs as a result of the cuts.
4. Canal maintenance will be downgraded and expansion will be curtailed.

Conference believes that:

Inland waterways are the lifeblood of many communities, with users incuding boat owners, holidaymakers, anglers and ramblers.

Tourism will be the first area to suffer with local pubs and restaurants hit hard, but the environment will also be hit by the under-funding of these sanctuaries of tranquillity.

The impact of the cuts will be multiplied as loss of paid staff will also make it difficult to take advantage of voluntary help.

Conference therefore welcomes the Liberal Democrat Canal Cuts are Nuts campaign.

Conference calls on the government to:

1. Use the contingency fund to reverse short term cuts arising from loss of SPS income.
2. Give full weight to the social, economic and environmental importance of the waterway network in determining future grant levels for Britsih Waterways.