Licence victory for NBTA

THE National Bargee Travellers Association (NBTA), has achieved a victory against Canal & River Trust in that it now has its members three or six months licences pro rata instead of the Trust's original inflated charges.

The Trust originally intended loading its three and six months boat licence fees making it very expensive for those requiring shorter term licences, but the result of lobbying by the NBTA has resulted in the short term licences now being pro rata of the full yearly licence.

Enforcement action

Having to buy short term licences was required when enforcement action had been taken by the Trust, the boaters then being refused full yearly boat licences.  The Association has advised its members who have been forced to pay the higher fees to make a formal complaint with a view to having a refund.

Though Association members have met privately with CaRT's Head of Customer Service, Ian Rogers, it complains that it still has not been invited to the regular meetings between the Trust and other boating user groups.