Following speculation on the BBC TV Politics Show about the possible disposal of the British Waterways (BW) property portfolio, BW released a statement yesterday, November 16. We print the statement in full below:
 
‘There has been speculation around the possible disposal of British Waterways’ property endowment in England and Wales ahead of the Pre-Budget Report. The UK government decided earlier in the year, following a Treasury-led review, that British Waterways’ 1,400 canalside properties should not be sold. The government has also said it keeps all assets under review in the light of current public finances.

‘British Waterways’ chairman, Tony Hales, comments: “We were comforted by the government’s report in April. We generate almost half of our annual maintenance budget through property-related activities which have been fundamental to the renaissance of our 200-year old waterways over the last decade. Without it the public cost of caring for the waterways would increase significantly. With the reduction in grant funding in recent years the income we have generated from property and other sources has been crucial to the funding and revival of the 2,200-mile network.

“Britain’s historic waterway network is one of the finest examples of industrial heritage anywhere in the world and it deserves a long-term plan for its future. Earlier this year we proposed setting up a ‘national trust’ for the waterways to safeguard their future and lessen the call on the public purse. The proposal, which has received widespread support, would only be possible with the income we generate from our property and with long-term government funding agreements.”

‘In the last decade Britain’s inland waterway network has undergone a widely acclaimed revival, with more than 200 miles of canals built or restored and record number of boats and towpath visitors using the system. British Waterways is influencing and enabling an estimated £10 billion of waterside regeneration across the 2,200-mile network in its care and each year its waterways deliver approximately £500 million in public benefits to the country. This revival has been made possible thanks to the support of Defra and the Scottish government, the lottery, local authorities and countless waterway volunteers and enthusiasts.’