November

British Waterways Funding Cut

I am deeply concerned at the Government’s plans to cut funding to British Waterways by 15% (£9million) this year, despite British Waterways leading a dramatic transformation in the UK’s waterways and making progress towards financial self-sufficiency. 

The cuts are part of a wider programme of budget tightening at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), which plans to make £200million of savings this year.  I am concerned that these cuts are affecting front line services when DEFRA has spent £170million on management consultants since 2002/3!  I have, therefore, signed Early Day Motion (EDM) 214 to register my concerns in this area. 

I have also signed EDM 90, which notes that the British Waterways funding cut will cause 180 job losses and calls for the funding to be reinstated so our waterways can continue to be restored.  To read the full text of the EDM, please click here.

The waterways system is an integral part of our heritage and is fast becoming an important source of wildlife, tourism and regeneration for many regions of the UK. I made this point to the Minister during a Westminster Hall debate on the funding cuts on 6 December, making specific reference to how improvements to parts of the Birmingham canal network have aided the regeneration of the city centre. I pointed out that adequate funding is necessary so that waterway traffic can access the Birmingham network from outside the city, which is vital if our canals are to be kept as colourful and vibrant as possible.  To read my full contribution please click here.

I was very pleased that the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee agreed to conduct an inquiry into this issue.   As a member of the Committee, I will be able to examine closely the details of the decision and challenge the Government’s position further.  For more information on the inquiry, please click here.