Government grants £1 billion to Canal & River Trust (From Boating Cornwall)
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Government grants £1 billion to Canal & River Trust
9:18am Tuesday 7th February 2012 in News
The government has announced a £1 billion financial commitment to the newly-formed Canal & River Trust
The new charity responsible for looking after England and Wales' network of 200-year old canals and rivers will receive a £1 billion grant, the government announced last week.
Environment Minister Richard Benyon announced the commitment to The Canal & River Trust last Tuesday, January 31.
Commenting on the announcement, Gus Lewis, head of government affairs said: "This is great news for the new Trust and waterways users alike.
"The settlement is considerably greater than had been originally proposed by the government and we hope that it will provide the firm financial foundations that the trust needs.
"The RYA would also congratulate the transitional Trustees on their work to ensure that the Canal & River Trust starts its life in as strong a financial position as possible."
Environment Minister Richard Benyon added: "The Canal & River Trust will be a national trust for the waterways, maintaining and restoring 2,000 miles of heritage sites, wildlife habitats and open spaces so that we can all enjoy them for generations to come.
"Bringing our waterways into the 'Big Society' puts decision-making into the hands of the thousands of people who cherish the waterways near their homes.
"Our £1 billion investment will get this new charity off to the strongest start possible, and let local communities and volunteers shape the future of our world-famous waterways."
Tony Hales, the chairman of the trustees of the Canal & River Trust congratulated the minister on the settlement, which he said creates a bedrock on which to build the future prosperity of our precious waterways.
He said: "In the 20th century the network was saved from destruction by committed waterway campaigners, volunteers and staff.
"In the last decade alone British Waterways has made an enormous contribution to securing the network’s future.
"In the 21st century they will be held in trust for the nation as a national treasure and a haven for people and wildlife.
"With greater certainty of funding than ever before, we now have the opportunity to attract new investment and new supporters and give a greater role to the millions of people who live alongside and on the waterways."
