Underfunding: Environment Agency waterways
Funding of waterways managed by the Environment Agency
Along with its many environmental responsibilities, the Environment Agency manages the navigation of 630 miles of waterways – such as the River Thames and the River Medway in the south east – and many waterways in the Anglian Region.
Whilst funding for Canal & River Trust was guaranteed for 15 years from 2012, budget for the navigation function of the Environment Agency is still subject to cuts in the grant-in-aid.
Following the announcement by Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in June 2019 that it would not be progressing Canal & River Trust’s offer to take on the management of EA’s navigations, it is now more important than ever to identify additional funds in order to prevent further asset deterioration and waterway closures.
Only with increased funding will these navigations realise their potential through leisure, tourism, health and well-being, all of which come with associated economic benefits for the local and wider UK economy.
Find out more
Hundreds of miles of waterways – along with their unique heritage and habitats – are currently starved of funding and rely on constant lobbying by us to safeguard their future.
Environment Agency Funding News
Campaign updates
Campaign updates
Stay up-to-date with our canal and river campaigns and find out how you can help.
Waterways heritage
Our waterways heritage is what makes Britain’s canals and rivers special and it must be actively protected – through the local planning system and sufficient funding – for the future.
Waterway underfunding
Hundreds of miles of waterways – along with their unique heritage and habitats – are currently starved of funding and rely on constant lobbying by us to safeguard their future.
Waterway restoration
Restoring the UK’s blue infrastructure – our inherited network of navigable canals and rivers – is good for people and places.
Waterway businesses
The government needs to intervene at the earliest possible opportunity to save this vital sector of the British economy and what could be a core element of the British stay-at-home leisure and holiday sectors in the coming years.
Waterways affected by HS2
We’re campaigning to protect canals and rivers from the damaging effects of HS2, especially where the tranquillity of the waterways is under threat.
Love your waterways
Together we can protect and restore our waterways; the UK’s 6,500 miles of canals and rivers need your help.
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