Boaters in Birmingham protest rise in licence fees

Protesters gathered in Birmingham and walked from Centenary Square to the Canal and River Trust's headquarters on Cambrian Wharf, on Saturday

Boaters have staged a protest against changes to licences for people who live on the water.

More than 100 people gathered in Birmingham on Saturday against plans for a surcharge on people who live on boats but do not have a home mooring, where they stay for longer periods.

National Bargee Travellers Association (NBTA), said the measure was putting the nomadic way of life under threat.

The Canal and River Trust says it needs funding to keep the waterways alive.

Pamela Smith, from the NBTA, says the plan is "discriminatory"

Among those protesting was Lisa Newell, originally from Stourbridge, who gave up her home seven years ago to travel the canals.

She and her partner pay £1,300 per year for a licence as "continuous cruisers" with no home mooring.

But under the proposed changes, this would more than double.

Lisa Newell said her mooring costs would double under the plans

"We are being targeted because they say that we use the waterways more, but we actually don't," she said.

"There's no facts to base that on.

"The increase is so much that it is going to force people to be potentially homeless or not live on the water any more."

Pamela Smith, from the NBTA, said the surcharge is "unfair" and "discriminatory".

"People who live on a boat without a home mooring are on the lowest incomes of the whole of the boating community," she said.

Campaigners say the surcharge threatens a nomadic way of life

The Canal and River Trust said: "We respect the right to protest and regularly speak with and meet the NBTA to understand their views and concerns.

"However, our canals are old and need funding to help keep them alive.  

"We welcome all boats and are asking those that use the network most to pay slightly more."

It said its welfare team would support anyone struggling.