AS PREVIOUSLY reported in narrowboatworld the commission which is reviewing the Canal & River Trust’s boat licensing framework has now launched a survey to hear from boaters and other stakeholders with a view on boat licensing.
The survey will run until 9am on Tuesday 22nd April. It covers both the experiences that people have had and any changes they would like to see to the trust’s approach to boat licensing.
Make recommendations
It is anticipated that the commission will make recommendations to the trust’s Board of Trustees in September 2025.
The commission is being chaired by Andrew Cowan, a former senior partner at Devonshires, a law firm. It also includes Penelope Barber, one of the elected boating representatives on the trust’s Council, and trustee Sir Chris Kelly, a previous senior civil servant and former boat owner, with Andrew Cowan explaining:
“As part of the process we are keen to hear from boaters and other stakeholders with a view on boat licensing. The responses will help us understand the views of different stakeholder groups and will be key to forming our thinking about the current licensing system and whether it can be improved."
Independent
It is told this commission is independent, but when completed the commission’s report will be submitted to the Canal & River Trust to be overseen by a constituted boating sub-committee of the board, chaired by David Orr CBE, the trust’s chairman. This is in addition to the other trust members listed—Editor.