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.