THE REPORT FROM THE independent Commission set up to review the legal framework around boat licensing and whether it is appropriate for the canal network’s future is published today (19th November).
Over the past ten months the Commission, chaired by Andrew Cowan, a former senior partner at law firm Devonshires, has undertaken an extensive review, engaging with several thousand individuals and organisations via a public online survey, and then meeting with and receiving further submissions from many representative groups.
Andrew Cowan comments:
“We were asked to review, independently of the Trust, the fitness for purpose of the licensing system in the light of widespread dissatisfaction with the way it currently operates, and to make recommendations for change where we consider that to be beneficial for the future management of the canal network.”
David Orr, chair of the Canal & River Trust, comments:
“I’d like to thank the Commission for its considerable time, effort and expertise. I’d also like to thank all the boaters, boating organisations and others who took the time to contribute—they greatly assisted the Commission in its review. We will now take some time to consider the report and will provide an initial response as soon as possible.”
Chaired by Andrew Cowan, the Commission also included Penelope Barber, one of the elected boating representatives on the Trust’s Council, and trustee Sir Chris Kelly, a former senior civil servant and former boat owner.
The Report is published online: Commission to review future framework for boat licensing | Canal & River Trust