BW has sent out an amended schedule for the regional consultation meetings which now include a session at Northwich. I append this schedule at the end of this bulletin.
Far be it for NABO to dictate what you say if you go to on, but please make the effort to go. Yesterday Council did discuss the consultation prior to compiling a NABO response and you might find it helpful to know some of the ideas we tossed about.
The consensus was to retain it. One point mentioned was that, if the incentive to pay 'up front' was removed, more people would opt for instalment option and BW would not get its money so soon. This could damage its cash flow and its ability to apply 'a stitch in time'.
The effect the discount reduction would have on the 'headline' percentage would only be cosmetic.
This is a suggestion NABO has made more than once to Robin Evans to help BW even further with its cash flow. We have had no reply to this suggestion. Could be worth mentioning at a meeting if you agree.
This is almost a universal sentiment amongst boat owners - namely that other users are also milked for extra funding as a condition of boat owners' contribution. Generally this is outside the 'consultation' and would need to be expressed to Government. However the fact that hire boat licences are exempt is a clause in the consultation although actually a fait accompli. Many private boaters feel this is very unfair.
You may have heard this sentiment as a possible slogan for a campaign if BW manifestly refuses to reduce or spread the financial load it plans to put on private boaters. Such a campaign would be calling for some sort of rebate to licence holders if BW failed to:-
1. reduce licence evasion to an acceptable level. (more than a 1.5% default rate is regarded in the house renting business as unacceptable)
2. meet the minimum level of Customer Service Standards
These standards have been issued (as mentioned in the last bulletin) and will be subject to comment from us, hence the idea of a survey which we will produce soon. BW have unofficially welcomed the idea.
[PLEA - If there is someone who can help process the returns from such a survey I would be delighted to hear from them]
What remains to be discussed is how the standards are audited (policed) and what sort of penalty could be imposed on BW for failure to comply.
I say again, please go to the meetings - assuming you care. BW will no doubt take full advantage of poor attendance.
The 'trial' has been running now for a week or two and we would welcome comments. Tell Simon Robbins what you think on moorings. Council
Opportunity for BW customers to meet Robin Evans & Simon Salem
Chief executive Robin Evans and Simon Salem, marketing & customer service director, have set aside five dates for discussion with waterway users about future boat licence fees. The dates fall within the period of public consultation regarding licence fees. The meetings are to be held in different parts of the country and at different times of the day and week. Each session will be divided into three group meetings of up to one hour. Customers wishing to meet Robin Evans and Simon Salem are asked to contact the BW office in advance giving their preferred time. Further copies of the boat licence fee consultation document are available at :-
http://www.britishwaterways.co.uk/accountability/consultations/present_consultations.html
Willow Grange Church RoadWatford WD17 4QA 14.00 to 17.00
Contact Liz Horne T 01923 201365 E liz.horne@britishwaterways.co.uk
Fearns Wharf Neptune Street Leeds LS9 8PB 17.00 to 20.00
Contact Linzi O’Neill T 0113 281 6861 E linzi.o’neill@britishwaterways.co.uk
Harbour House West Quay The Docks Gloucester GL1 2LG 14.00 to 17.00
Contact Suzanne Pensom T 01452 318000 E Suzanne.pensom@britishwaterways.co.uk
Canal Lane Hatton Warwick CV35 7JL 10.00 to 13.00
Contact Michelle Woodward T 01926 626100 E michelle.woodward@britishwaterways.co.uk
Navigation House Navigation Road Northwich Cheshire CW8 1BH 16.00 to 19.00
Contact Veronica Gordon T 01606 723802 E veronica.gordon@britishwaterways.co.uk