A slap in the face?

IS THIS A slap in the face to BW's most loyal boating customers?

BW's consultation on licence fee increases is one of the most amazing pieces of BW spin I have seen in a while. The headline is that there will be a zero increase in real terms to boat licence fees in 20010/11, writes Simon Robbins.

The small print however shows that BW want to:

• Reduce the prompt payment discount payable if you pay before your renewal date.
• Offer a higher discount to people who pay on line.
• Introduce a surcharge for payment by credit card

If you sit down and think about this for a moment you may realise that BW's present plan means that only boaters who pay their licence fees up front, i.e. the best and most reliable payers will be asked to pay more next year.

A finer example of 'slap your most loyal paying customers in the face' is difficult to conceive of?

Fortunately you still have time to respond to the consultation. If you would like to comment on the proposals check out the consultation document for yourself and send your comments to BW at :

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by post to British Waterways Prompt Payment Consultation, 64 Clarendon Road, Watford, WD17 1DF before 28 February 2010.