Tim Greenfield reports…
THE Canal and River Trust is hoping to form a positive partnership with the new Labour Government to secure its long-term funding and halt the possibility of canal closures.
It is hoping ministers will see the benefits of the waterways and agree to support its maintenance and renovation programme to stop them falling into disrepair or possibly risk being shut.
However, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer warned of a gloomy financial outlook and said all areas of public funding are under the spotlight ahead of the Autumn budget.
CRT spokesperson Fran Read said: “The previous government agreed a new funding package running until 2035 – not as much as we think necessary.
“We are talking to the new government and want to form a working partnership to ensure canals are properly supported, so they can continue to provide benefits to the nation.”
The previous government agreed £740 million from 2012 to 2027, on condition the charity would increase its own income and need less taxpayer cash. Last year, ministers agreed a further £400 million from 2027 to 2037.
However, the charity says this agreement is actually a cut in real terms. It says the public can help by lobbying their MP to get support for their campaign.
The charity has been running a publicity campaign to gather support and wants to highlight the value of the waterways network, not only for leisure but also wildlife and water supply. It fears a drop in funding will lead to a decline in the network, even raising the fear of canal closures.
A Defra spokesperson said: “We recognise the wide range of benefits that our inland waterways bring, and the Canal and River Trust receives an annual grant of £52.6 million to support their maintenance and development.”
