Defra incompetence and the Canal system

HOWLERMONKEY Thu Oct 12, 2006 at 08:12:24 AM GMT Print-friendly version Facebook

Britain's waterways and canal system are having to carry the can for Defra's poor management and incompetence.  Just some points of the economic argument are put forward here.
Please add any further thoughts on this subject here.



 Due to the" incompetence at Defra" many of you will be aware that there have been problems with  payments to farmers, and the European Union has  fined the British government for the late payment. Subsequently the Treasury has told Defra to find the payments from existing funding, this is somewhere between 50 million, and 52 million pounds.

Most of the money is to be slashed from the budgets of Natural England and British Waterways. With approximately £20 million pounds being cut from BW's annual stipend. Already 180 redundancy notices have been issued to staff. Obviously this will have a huge knock-on effect on the winter maintenance programme of Britain's canals and waterways. Also the major BW capital projects all around the country will have to be shelved.

Three per cent of the UK's trade travels by canal or inland waterway, that's mostly large heavy cargo, such as aggregates, concrete, and cole, that otherwise would be travelling by road. One modern commercial barge can carry the equivalent of  7 to 8 lorries and far more on larger on canalised rivers. Just think of the traffic problems around London when many thousands of lorries travel from the gravel pits to the west of the city through to the new Olympic stadiums being constructed on the river lee. Or the CrossRail building sites,and meney others. At present most of the heavy materials are brought down the Grand Union Canal into the Thames and then on to the lee. When the Thames is unusable due to tidal problems, cargo is taken via the Paddington arm of the Grand Union Canal and Regent's Canal. There are many other examples of UK Capital projects being serviced by canal across the country.

There are other knock on economic effects such as the closing of marinas and other canalside businesses. The lack of these forms of revenue in themselves would be a double wammy to the Treasury's tax revenue.
Then there are the social effects, it as this will impact upon the millions of people who use the canals and waterways for leisur, including  the canal boaters, cyclists, Walker's and fishermen who use 2000 miles of towpath for their pursuits.

I believe that it is foolish to slash the funding of BW. due to the economic damage that it would create the decision would be self-defeating, and I call upon David Miliband to reverse his decision and fund British Waterways to the Government's published policy framework Waterways for tomorrow level.
Background for this thread Here. http://www.savethewaterways.org.uk/


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Defra incompetence and the Canal system | 21 comments (21 topical)

Re: Defra incompetence and the Canal system (#1)

by Anonymous on Thu Oct 12, 2006 at 03:14:44 PM GMT

Cut from the Unison website.

UNION vows to fight cuts
(09/10/06) UNISON will fight the planned axing of 180 jobs at British Waterways with "every means at our disposal", the union vowed today.

British Waterways announced plans to cut the jobs and close its Birmingham office earlier today in response to a 12.5% cut in its grant from the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs - without discussing the plans or any alternatives with the unions.

UNISON has called an emergency meeting to draw up plans for fighting the cuts. The union has around 1,000 members at British Waterways, with national officer Chris Fabby vowing: "We will fight these job cuts with every means at our disposal and we have arranged an emergency meeting of stewards to draw up plans to do that."

Noting that the government cited EU fines for not making payments to farmers fast enough as a reason for having to make cuts, Mr Fabby added: "It's disgraceful that someone up the line, in DEFRA, makes a huge mistake and, as usual, it's workers down the line who have to pay the price."

He called on British Waterways to "sit down with us to work through alternative options before making a rushed decision to make workers redundant."

He said the announcement flies in the face of a July commitment from chief executive Robin Evans that there would be no knee-jerk reaction to funding cuts.

As well as running the canal network, British Waterways is the second largest owners of listed buildings and ancient monuments in the country, after the Church of England.

Its ecologists assess the environmental impact of waterside development and it is involved in major restoration and regeneration projects across the UK, valued at £6bn.


Re: Defra incompetence and the Canal system (#2)

by swatantra on Fri Oct 13, 2006 at 08:33:46 AM GMT

I agree, the funding should be restored. The canals and marinas need to be maintained and developed not just for the wildlife and environmemtal reasons, but as potential leisure and recreational sites; the leisure industry would create more local jobs. Combine that with a historical role, that of depicting waterside crafts, particulrly for those in urban dwellers taking a break in the country. The canals are also an important link in the transport network.  Some are still functional to carry freight and would ease the pressure on our roads. Milliband needs to spend a couple of monts out of his office in Westminster and go native on the Norfolk Broads and the Birmingham Canals.


Re: Defra incompetence and the Canal system (#3)

by Wildrose on Fri Oct 13, 2006 at 09:30:49 AM GMT

I cannot believe how out of touch ministers are on this one.  I heard Barry Gardiner on 5 Live and he sounded shifty and not answering the questions.

Labour can be rightly proud of the investment in our canals - did you hear John Prescott at conference this year extolling the canals - and now all that work will be undone.

I hear the overspends on farmers is nearer to £200 - Natural England, the Environment Agency and every other agency associated with Defra will suffer.  Why is the Labour government taking money from inner cities and giving it to the farmers?    


Re: Defra incompetence and the Canal system (#10)

by Anonymous on Tue Oct 17, 2006 at 03:37:15 PM GMT

"I hear the overspends on farmers is nearer to £200"

I think you mean £200 million...at £200 I'll pay for it myself.


[ Parent ]

Re: Defra incompetence and the Canal system (#20)

by Anonymous on Sat Oct 21, 2006 at 07:28:12 AM GMT

According to the Audit Commission the actual figure is £131 million, with an overspend of £46 million for fiscal year ending 2006 . With a similar figure projected for next year.  Defra had stated that they think that they will have their payments sorted out in 18 months to two years. We shall see.


[ Parent ]

Re: Defra incompetence and the Canal system (#4)

by HOWLERMONKEY on Fri Oct 13, 2006 at 03:13:56 PM GMT

"The risks we run are great.  It is a truism to say that our life depends on the natural environment, but one worth dwelling on.  The power of the natural environment to clean our water, air condition our cities... not "nice to have" add ons".

Quote from David Milliband,s speech at the launch of natural England.

So Dave..what about 1500 miles of rural and 500miles of urban towpath,...is this a add on?


Re: Defra incompetence and the Canal system (#5)

by HOWLERMONKEY on Sun Oct 15, 2006 at 10:12:34 AM GMT

I also found this quote in the same speech. I wonder If this applys to David Milliband too. He's certainly not protecting the canals and waterways

"People must change their behaviour to protect our natural environment better and nurture its diversity."
Nor is he protecting 180 jobs witch are to go in the spring, if not sooner.


[ Parent ]

Re: Defra incompetence and the Canal system (#6)

by Anonymous on Sun Oct 15, 2006 at 11:45:00 AM GMT

Let's not blame Miliband too much. It was Margaret Beckett who insisted on introducing the Single Farm Payment in the way Defra did. Everyone told her that it was too complicated and too risky but she wouldn't listen. She kept denying that there were serious problems all the way until the situation got completely out of control. Small farmers have been badly hurt by the failure to make payments on time.

So while the smallest, poorest and weakest have been put in real trouble Margaret has been promoted and Miliband has picked up the blame.


Re: Defra incompetence and the Canal system (#7)

by HOWLERMONKEY on Sun Oct 15, 2006 at 09:37:02 PM GMT

You're quite correct in saying that it was Margaret Beckett who introduce the SFP. Also the financial contingency  for the administration and operation of a possible bird flu epidemic bit into Defra's coffers.

The problem that David Milliband faces is his inability fight his corner, when the Treasury questions the department's budget. Unfortunately David's focus seemsto be more directed to the global-warming  question. (witches is undoubtedly very important,and the new global warming/climate change Bill will undoubtedly be shaped by defra's input.) I would like to see David return to the Treasury and argue for the economic benefit of the canals and waterways system, both in trade and  regeneration. That they would be financially and socially viable.

 As well as the many social benefits which are inherent, thear are some 300,000 people who live on, or use canals both directly and indirectly (Not counting the recreational Boater.) who are tax payers too. I believe that canals and waterways are a vital to the economic stability of the UK's economy due to the reasons stated in the original posting.


[ Parent ]

Re: Defra incompetence and the Canal system (#8)

by swatantra on Tue Oct 17, 2006 at 11:42:53 AM GMT

Maybe David's powerful intellect could be better utiliised in sorting out the problems at the Home Office. Reid is struggling. And it should bring him down to earth, give him some experience, toughen him up and prepare him to perhaps succeed Brown as PM in 2009


[ Parent ]

Re: Defra incompetence and the Canal system (#9)

by HOWLERMONKEY on Tue Oct 17, 2006 at 01:16:16 PM GMT

As Homer says...WOO HOO!!
I think somone reads this blog....EDM 2757

INLAND WATERWAYS 16:10:06
 Charlotte Atkins
 Mrs Louise Ellman
 Mr Jim Cunningham
 Ms Karen Buck
 Mr David Drew
 Mrs Janet Dean

  Mrs Ann Cryer Angela Eagle
    That this House notes that the nation's inland waterways have undergone a transformation in recent years that more people are using canals and rivers for recreation than ever before, whether as boaters, anglers, walkers, cyclists or nature lovers; further notes that more freight is being transported and that regenerated waterways are the backbone of many inner city improvements and that thousands of jobs are linked to the well-being of canals; it therefore notes with alarm that DEFRA has reduced British Waterways' grant by 15 per cent. this year resulting in a devastating effect upon our inland waterways; further notes that 180 British Waterways' staff are to lose their jobs and canals are to be closed; and calls upon the Government immediately to reinstate the cuts imposed upon British Waterways and ensure long-term funding is guaranteed to enable continued investment and restoration of our waterways.

Lets not make this a..DOH!!


Re: Defra incompetence and the Canal system (#11)

by Anonymous on Wed Oct 18, 2006 at 12:25:24 PM GMT

EDM2757.
The list of "Names" is Groweing on this one. Keep up the good work.   (A Boater)


[ Parent ]

Re: Defra incompetence and the Canal system (#12)

by Wildrose on Wed Oct 18, 2006 at 04:55:59 PM GMT

I think ministers may be surprised by the strength of feeling on this issue.  I spoke to a boater and she was spitting blood.  She used to be very positive about the Labour government's investment in our inland waterways.  Today she is equally as passionate but negative towards the government.

Most canals and many rivers run through towns and cities - where you find most Labour MPs.  I see a website has started Save Our Waterways.  People who use rivers will also be afffected as Defra have also cut EAs budget.  I doubt the MPs will welcome Defra's priorites, nor local councils who have also invested in their lcoal canals and rivers.  In fact it is hard ot think of anyone who benefits other than the Tories?

I understood that Defra was to be a different type of Government department - breaking away from the farmer obsessed MAFF.  Seems to be much the same to me - farmers priorites before the peoples priorities.  

Has anyone ever seen David Miliband on water? I know some think he walks on it but on this I think he is treading!      


[ Parent ]

Re: Defra incompetence and the Canal system (#17)

by Anonymous on Thu Oct 19, 2006 at 07:02:30 AM GMT

this site is a good reference point to the background of this thread.

http://www.savethewaterways.org.uk/


[ Parent ]

Re: Defra incompetence and the Canal system (#13)

by tygerland on Wed Oct 18, 2006 at 07:54:54 PM GMT

I'm surprised David "The Blogging Minster" Miliband hasn't responded in person, one would imagine someone as `on message' as him would be monitoring projects such as LabourHome.  Have you tried his blog?

Now I wonder if we were to offer Douglas Alexander £20m to reduce Britain's road freight by 2%, if he would bite your hand off.  I thin he bloody would!

It seems to me that Labour is gambling on losing one of its legacies, if it lets all the good work on the waterways go to rack and ruin.  I live in Newark-on-Trent, and the improvements on the riverside are clear for everyone to see, Miliband should think carefully before he makes a huge mistake.

tygerland.net


Re: Defra incompetence and the Canal system (#14)

by tygerland on Wed Oct 18, 2006 at 08:01:11 PM GMT

Oh, and don't even start me on farmers and their tractors.

:)


[ Parent ]

Re: Defra incompetence and the Canal system (#15)

by Wildrose on Wed Oct 18, 2006 at 08:37:58 PM GMT

Good point about his blog so I went and looked - nothing.  So either he has not thought of the inland waterways or he knows what is happening is crass.

Or maybe, at the moment, it is just not important enough for him.


[ Parent ]

Re: Defra incompetence and the Canal system (#16)

by tygerland on Wed Oct 18, 2006 at 09:06:47 PM GMT

No, I checked too.

We all know Climate Change is important, but to be honest it's a subject that must be dealt with at a macro level - it's the greatest reason yet for the EU as an institution.  It may allow Miliband to wax lyrical about an issue everyone cares about, but I doubt he can achieve a great deal at a departmental level - beyond the obvious (i.e. improving his public profile).

The devil is in the detail David.  Don't underestimate how important our waterways are to our towns and rural areas...


[ Parent ]

Re: Defra incompetence and the Canal system (#18)

by HOWLERMONKEY on Thu Oct 19, 2006 at 04:29:28 PM GMT

There is another aspect to this. The Environment Agency is also having its funding cut by 25 million year-on-year until 2011.  So if you live on a flood plain, a river, or near the coast these cuts will affect you.  Even if we have a  very cold winter as has been predicted for the start of 2007, this also will have severe consequences on next year's budget with a knock-on lasting for several years.

We live with increasing severe climate events; yet we are cutting back on funding our response to these events.  It will be the general population who live and work in the affected areas( actually that's most of us.) who will suffer from this, and it is thay who will ask the question who is responsible....

please stand up Mr Gardner.


Re: Defra incompetence and the Canal system (#19)

by Anonymous on Fri Oct 20, 2006 at 06:58:50 PM GMT

We must not forget on top of the cuts from DEFRA the canal users are about to lose the use of Red Diesel, this will increase costs by a massive amount(from about 35p per litre to £1.00)for everybody who uses the Canal system and will hit very hard at the boating tourists, the very people who pay a large part in keeping our canals alive.


[ Parent ]

Re: Defra incompetence and the Canal system (#21)

by HOWLERMONKEY on Sat Oct 21, 2006 at 07:38:22 AM GMT

This will put a huge strain upon the recreational Boater and the boat rental business. On Howler Monkeys annual summer trip this year I saw a hotel boat and butty up for sale on the Grand Union Canal for £70,000 . When I inquired about it I was told that it had become uneconomical due to its fuel bill.


[ Parent ]

Defra incompetence and the Canal system | 21 comments (21 topical)