17% cut in grant?

COUNCILLOR Ann Denham is concerned about the Huddersfield Narrow Canal and how the cut in grant to British Waterways could affect it.

The Almondbury  councillor remarks that she is worried about 'plans to reduce British Waterways' budget by 17% next [financial] year—a cut of £9.6m', adding:

"British Waterways is already underfunded by £30m a year with a backlog of £200m in existing maintenance requirements.

"The Government's decision to reduce funding to an already underfunded organisation signals trouble ahead for local waterways like Huddersfield Narrow Canal."

However, she is mistaken, as our Allan Richards points out:

"BW has elected to take £5m of next year's grant this year. BW were told in February 2009 to expect some cut in grant by Defra and we are now told that this will be £4.6m.

"The figure of 17% is very misleading because it is calculated on £9.6m (including the £5m) rather than £4.6m."

Allan suggests that Councillor Denham should take a look at the vision on BW's website:

'Our ambition is that by 2012 we will have created an expanded, vibrant, largely self-sufficient waterway network used by twice as many people as in 2002. It will be regarded as one of the nation's most important and valued national assets. Visitors will be delighted with the quality of the experience and as a consequence many will become active participants'.

Adds Allan:

"Reduction of grant was a BW objective and is now a shared BW/government objective!

"With regard to maintenance backlog, I would suggest the figure is closer to £400m rather than £200m. The exact figure may become clearer when BW responds to a request under the Freedom of Information act.