CaRT clobbers charity boats

REVISING the charges for Business Boat Licensing, Canal & River Trust is proposing to withdraw the discount on charities and community boats, so such craft will see a 60% increase in their fees, writes Jimmy Lockwood.

To this end it issued what is described as ‘a consultation document' in July; reply by 31st July; results published by end of August. Not too much discussion and consulting given that for most business managers it is their peak season!

A section refers to charities and community boats. Here the discount is being withdrawn so such craft will see a 60% increase in their fees. Commercially CaRT say this is fair!

More sinister message

However there is a more sinister message contained in the words which states:

'Now that we ourselves are a charity, we need to agree to all fundraising activity that takes place on our land to ensure that there is no conflict of interest and that waterway visitors are not being overly targeted for contributions. They are having a laugh! You try to avoid the CaRT muggers at busy locations!

Fun runs, events, etc next?

More seriously is this an attempt to charge other charities for the likes of fun runs, canoe marathons, events, raffles, etc.? Clearly community boats are already targeted. What next?

Generally charities accept that each has a place in society and friendly competition exists. Clearly one of the newest larger charities feels that the rules should be changed—in its favour.

Shouldn't rip-off your friends

Let's use the easy route to fortune and charge those closest to us! You shouldn't rip off your friends otherwise they will become your biggest enemies.

Regulation is creeping in! Until last year, this was a public asset which was described as ‘for use by all'. Are we now being told the ‘all' excludes those who compete with CaRT? I doubt this was the government's intention when CaRT was set up. Perhaps this might be considered an undue restriction of trade.

Charge everybody

Taken to extremes will CaRT seek to charge the local shop if the users walk down towpaths? Will canal-side pubs be expected to contribute if drinkers sit outside to watch boats?

If you are a member of a charity which uses CaRT land, be like the scouts and Be Prepared! Alternatively you may find other landowners who are not so greedy and are more sympathetic to your objectives.