Disappointing delay to grant review decision

PUBLICATION of the review into future grant funding for the Canal & River Trust has been delayed until the autumn.

It was due on July 1, which would have coincided with the 10th anniversary of the founding of the Canal & River Trust as a charity on July 2, 2012, when it took over the functions and properties of the former British Waterways Board in England and Wales. Its patron is HRH the Prince of Wales.

Government department Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) and the trust have been gathering the information necessary for the review into funding beyond the end of the current grant period in 2027.

A CRT spokesman said: “While we are disappointed at the delay to the review, we are continuing to work with Defra to achieve a successful outcome that will ensure the waterways have the funding they need so that they can be cared for and continue to be safe and available for the millions of people who enjoy and benefit from them for years to come.”

A statement by Defra confirmed: “Due to extenuating circumstances, including the significant impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the UK Government is not yet in a position to reach a decision on possible future grant funding for the Canal & River Trust by July 1, 2022, the date set in the current grant agreement.”

It expects to publish the review in the autumn.

The Inland Waterways Association (IWA) has been campaigning for continued Government funding for the publicly owned waterways, including the 2000 miles managed by the Canal & River Trust, 630 miles of waterway run by the Environment Agency and those operated by Scottish Canals.