Update from Canal & River Trust

THE latest Update from the trustees of the Canal & River Trust is heavy on optimism but light on detail.

The most important matter of where the money will come from to supplement that from the government is still not settled, other that extra it is hoped will be from the same source: 'we hope to be able to bring to a conclusion early next year'.

No details

The Update tells that 'A huge amount has been achieved over recent months towards transforming British Waterways in England & Wales into the Canal & River Trust', but gives no details other than 'all the building blocks needed to establish the new Trust next year are falling into place'.

The Ministerial Transfer Order that effectively transfers British Waterways' powers and obligations in respect of its English and Welsh waterways to the Canal & River Trust, is expected to be laid before Parliament early in the New Year.

Freedom of Information Act

The trustees now admit that the Freedom of Information Act will apply to it in respect of all the statutory functions it inherits from British Waterways under the Transfer Order. They now state they 'consider this an appropriate and proportionate application of the Act to our affairs'. Somewhat of a U-turn!

From the many emails we have received showing that boaters' responded to our—and particularly Allan Richards—request to contact their MPs and the  Waterways Minister to ensure that the decision not to apply the Act to the new charity was wrong, they can feel they had some success in having this decision reversed.

However, a request was made for information about the activities of the trustees  under the Freedom of Information Act over three months ago, with nothing forthcoming, despite a ICO complaints officer having written to British Waterways...

Transfer of assets

The Ministerial Transfer Scheme will transfer British Waterways' assets and liabilities to the Trust as distinct from its powers and obligations, which does not have to be approved by Parliament.

We have been told there is the possibility that all the marinas acquired by British Waterways, that have not created any income towards the waterways will be sold off, to raise much needed investment in maintenance.

Chairmen

The Waterway Partnerships have already been announced, with the appointments of the following Partnership Chairmen:

Manchester & Pennine—Walter Menzies
North Wales & Borders—Jim Forrester
South Wales & Severn—Jack Hegarty
Kennet & Avon—Fleur de Rhe Philipe
North West—Professor Steven Broomhead
West Midlands—Peter Mathews, CMG
Museums & Attractions—Laurence Newman.

A new National User Forum is also being created that will replace the former British Waterways Advisory Forum, together with other groups, but the chairmen of these groups will be appointed by the Chief Executive Robin Evans, in consultation with relevant trustees.

All the staff of British Waterways will transfer to the Trust, and will have new clothing complete with the new logo and messaging.

The Update from the trustees, again was unsigned.