New England and Wales canal rules with boats threatening 'it's untenable'

Mooring hikes threaten to price boaters out of canals, they have warned. Those who call canals and rivers home face being priced out of the water after plans came into effect to start increasing mooring fees by up to 75 per cent.

A 30-year-old told the Guardian: "In London, people just can’t afford to live in houses any more. There is a lot more young families and people on boats than you would think. Some made the move because they were interested in boats, other because of high rents.”

The Canal and River Trust (CRT) is increasing fees for “continuous cruisers” by up to 75 per cent over the next five years. Another said: “Am I someone who could afford to live in accommodation as a single parent? No.

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"I can’t imagine being able to rent somewhere for me and my child. Not with prices in London." A third said: “Now a six-month licence costs about a grand. The CRT keeps changing the goalpost, it’s like having a cowboy landlord!”

“We’ve stopped crime. About 20 to 30 years ago, when there were less boats here, you wouldn’t think of stepping foot on a towpath. Now, because there’s people here, it’s a lot safer,” another told the newspaper on Friday (April 19).

I’m hoping I can keep on acting, and compared to other people I know I’m doing pretty well, but it’s just becoming untenable,” he said. In a statement, the CRT said: “As the cost of looking after the canal network spirals, we must raise money from all sources. Boats are central to the network and we try to keep their contribution affordable – the average licence costs around £850 a year.

“We are, however, asking those with wider boats and those who use the network most to pay slightly more. We will do all we can to support those struggling wherever possible and have a welfare support team who can help boaters who are facing financial difficulties or other challenges.”