Basingstoke Canal – Navigation Update – Press Release
Basingstoke Canal – Navigation Update – Press Release
Dear Canal Users
Many of you will be aware that the BBC published an article headlining “Canal leisure pursuits may be stopped due to cuts” yesterday. We feel that parts of this article are misleading, and the following Press Release has been made by Hampshire County Council, and a Press Statement made by Surrey County Council (in consultation with each other).
These statements reflect the formal changes in governance for the Canal being made over the next couple of weeks. We wanted to reassure you as canal users that these planned changes and are about safeguarding the Canal and the Canal Visitor Centre for the medium term and ensuring as far as possible continuation of service.
The Surrey County Council Press Statement is as follows:
Marisa Heath, Surrey County Council Cabinet Member for Environment said: “Surrey County Council and Hampshire County Council have reviewed how the Basingstoke Canal Authority operates to future-proof and enhance services on the Canal. A recommendation was presented to the Canal’s Joint Management Committee (JMC) in November last year, with JMC members invited to provide feedback. Details can be found here: Agenda for Basingstoke Canal Joint Management Committee on Monday, 20 November 2023, 1.30 pm – Surrey County Council (surreycc.gov.uk).
“In the recommendation the Basingstoke Canal Authority will continue to manage the statutory duties and leisure navigation associated with the canal. Surrey County Council will take on responsibility for the Canal Centre’s visitor services from April 2024. There is no intention to close the Canal Centre. Our priority is to maintain the Centre’s services as much as possible, while considering small changes that will help it to operate more efficiently and with maximum value for taxpayer’s money.
“Councillors at Hampshire County Council will review the recommendation on 11 March 2024, followed by Surrey County Council’s Councillors on 26 March 2024.”
The Hampshire County Council Press Release is as follows:
Hampshire County Council agrees new operating model to secure medium-term future of Basingstoke Canal following reduction in financial contributions
A new operating model for the Basingstoke Canal has been agreed by Hampshire County Council following a fall in contributions from some of the local authorities that line the canal route. Under the proposal, the Canal Centre and leisure services, such as camping and boat hire, would become the direct responsibility of Surrey County Council from April 2024. The proposed changes to the management arrangements that are currently delivered through the Basingstoke Canal Authority were agreed by Councillor Russell Oppenheimer at his Decision Day on Monday 11 March. The proposal will be reviewed by Surrey County Council’s Leader of the Council, Tim Oliver on 26 March 2024.
Councillor Russell Oppenheimer said: “Basingstoke Canal is a well-loved waterway and recreational landmark which is enjoyed by thousands of people every year. It also plays a vital role in managing flood risks along its route, whilst providing important habitats for many species including birds, fish and insects. It is a fantastic asset that we are committed to protecting for the future.
“Historically the Basingstoke Canal has received funding contributions not only from Hampshire and Surrey County Councils, but also from the local authorities that run adjacent to the canal. The funding from partners has now reduced leading Hampshire and Surrey County Councils, as the landowners of the canal, to consider a new joint operating model that can safeguard delivery of the core statutory functions of the waterway using the resources available. Under this new approach, the canal would continue to be maintained and operated for navigation by the Basingstoke Canal Authority, to include the licensing of canoeing and boating activities. Visitors to the Canal Centre would notice little change as Surrey County Council – rather than the Basingstoke Canal Authority – would take on the direct management of the Canal Centre operation and its services. There are also many other organisations that would continue to offer licensed boating and other pursuits and again, this would not stop under these plans.
“The changes, if also agreed later this month by Surrey County Council, enable us to balance the budget for the Basingstoke Canal up to 2026/27 at which point the canal’s reserves would be depleted. Following years of reductions in local authority funding, there now needs to be a wider conversation about how we continue to finance the canal in the longer term. The Basingstoke Canal forms part of the national waterways network, and I will be writing to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to set out the challenges we face.”
For more information, view the Decision Day webcast and report: Agenda for Executive Lead Member for Universal Services Decision Day & Executive Member for Countryside and Regulatory Services Decision Day on Monday, 11th March, 2024, 2.00 pm | About the Council | Hampshire County Council (hants.gov.uk)
Regards
James Taylor
Strategic Manager – Basingstoke Canal
Working across the Canal for Surrey and Hampshire County Councils
Canal Centre: 01252 370073
Email: info@basingstoke-canal.co.uk
Post: Basingstoke Canal Centre, Mytchett Place Road, Mytchett, Camberley, Surrey GU16 6DD