Houseboats are popular dwellings in Hackney Wick (Heather Magowan).
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Boat dwellers claim that recent and proposed changes by the Canals and Rivers Trust are forcing them out of the city.
For years, London’s continuous cruisers—boat dwellers who move between different moorings rather than staying in one place—have relied on the city’s waterways as an affordable alternative to London rent. But rising costs and regulatory changes are making life on the water increasingly precarious, whilst the Charity’s CEO is taking home a £250,000 annual salary.
Alain Gough-Olaya, a keyworker and continuous cruiser, says he’s already being priced out of the capital.
“We’re not paid enough. People who want to carry on living in central London have to take dramatic actions and lead unusual lifestyles. This is not an easy way to live.”
Last year’s licence fee hikes
Last year, the Canal and River Trust—the charity responsible for all of the UK’s waterways—introduced a surcharge on boaters without a home mooring, adding 25% to their licence fees. The Trust has also announced further increases in fees over the next few years to a surcharge of 50% by 2028. They claim this will help with the increasing cost of looking after the ageing canal network.
With costs rising, Alain says London’s 3,000-strong community of continuous cruisers fear they could be pushed out altogether.
“They can’t fine you, but they can destroy your house. You’re constantly under that pressure. And they do make people homeless.”
The charity’s CEO, Richard Parry announced he was standing down from the charity last week. The CEO was found to be paid £250,000 in a Freedom of Information request, a salary higher than other larger UK charities such as the National Trust.
The Canal and River Trust initially defended last year’s licence fee hike by saying the number of continuous cruisers had more than doubled since 2012. However, when City News asked for the latest figures, the Trust revealed that boat numbers in London actually fell by more than 500 last year.
The Trust maintains its role is to manage the canals fairly for all users, stating:
“Our charity’s canals have never been busier—it is our job to ensure they remain accessible and sustainable, including for those living afloat.”
Future changes spark further fear
Now, the Trust have launched a new independent commission to review the future of boat licences, with its recommendations expected this summer.
Alain remains positive that the government will support the boat dwellers, as the Trust will need to appeal to the government to make any future changes.
“A lot of MPs have realised these people will end up in social housing when there is already a housing crisis. That’s 3,000 people made homeless.”
As the commission’s consultation period ends in March and recommendations are set to be published in the summer, boaters like Alain face an uncertain future—on a waterway that has long been their home. The river’s residents are set to protest in June against new legislation measures.
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StandfirstThames residents fear that increased license fees from the Canal and River Trust are pricing them out of the city
Boat dwellers claim that recent and proposed changes by the Canals and Rivers Trust are forcing them out of the city.
For years, London’s continuous cruisers—boat dwellers who move between different moorings rather than staying in one place—have relied on the city’s waterways as an affordable alternative to London rent. But rising costs and regulatory changes are making life on the water increasingly precarious, whilst the Charity’s CEO is taking home a £250,000 annual salary.
Alain Gough-Olaya, a keyworker and continuous cruiser, says he’s already being priced out of the capital.
“We’re not paid enough. People who want to carry on living in central London have to take dramatic actions and lead unusual lifestyles. This is not an easy way to live.”
Last year’s licence fee hikes
Last year, the Canal and River Trust—the charity responsible for all of the UK’s waterways—introduced a surcharge on boaters without a home mooring, adding 25% to their licence fees. The Trust has also announced further increases in fees over the next few years to a surcharge of 50% by 2028. They claim this will help with the increasing cost of looking after the ageing canal network.
With costs rising, Alain says London’s 3,000-strong community of continuous cruisers fear they could be pushed out altogether.
“They can’t fine you, but they can destroy your house. You’re constantly under that pressure. And they do make people homeless.”
The charity’s CEO, Richard Parry announced he was standing down from the charity last week. The CEO was found to be paid £250,000 in a Freedom of Information request, a salary higher than other larger UK charities such as the National Trust.
The Canal and River Trust initially defended last year’s licence fee hike by saying the number of continuous cruisers had more than doubled since 2012. However, when City News asked for the latest figures, the Trust revealed that boat numbers in London actually fell by more than 500 last year.
The Trust maintains its role is to manage the canals fairly for all users, stating:
“Our charity’s canals have never been busier—it is our job to ensure they remain accessible and sustainable, including for those living afloat.”
Future changes spark further fear
Now, the Trust have launched a new independent commission to review the future of boat licences, with its recommendations expected this summer.
Alain remains positive that the government will support the boat dwellers, as the Trust will need to appeal to the government to make any future changes.
“A lot of MPs have realised these people will end up in social housing when there is already a housing crisis. That’s 3,000 people made homeless.”
As the commission’s consultation period ends in March and recommendations are set to be published in the summer, boaters like Alain face an uncertain future—on a waterway that has long been their home. The river’s residents are set to protest in June against new legislation measures.
