Boaters should pay more, say Broads bosses

Last year, 576 fewer vessels used the Broads

Broads bosses have said boaters should pay more to use the waterways next year, amid continued challenges and funding cuts.

The Broads Authority (BA), which manages the network of rivers and lakes in Norfolk and Suffolk, has recommended an average toll fees increase of 2.5% for 2026/27.

The charges went up by 5.9% this year, 8.5% in 2024 and 13% in 2023.

The plans will now be discussed by navigation committee members, who will make their own recommendation, before BA decides on a final figure.

BA chief executive John Packman said the navigation budget for the Broads was in a "healthier position"

According to a briefing note issued by BA chief executive John Packman, the number of private boats using the Broads fell by 576 last year – a reduction of 5.6%, with rowing boats seeing the biggest decrease.

This has meant BA faced a deficit between the amount raised in toll fees and the estimated costs of maintaining the waterways of £118,477 last year and £77,734 this year.

But BA has benefitted from changes in how it can split funds between navigation and national park duties, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The Department for Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra), which provides its annual capital and revenue grants, has said it is able to spend national park money on improving access to the Broads, meaning some navigational costs can be covered.

Mr Packman said that had helped offset the reduced income from fewer boats.

He said: "This has put the navigation budget in a healthier position... and would leave the authority in a stronger position for this year and the following two, even with our anticipated reduction in boat numbers."

Following a consultation period, a final decision is expected to be made on 28 November.