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Concerns raised about latest Broads toll increase

Ben RobinsonLocal Democracy reporter
Broads Authority A wooden wherry yacht is shown with a large white sail flying. It is painted white and has three people stood on its deck at the front and five sat at the back. It is sailing on water and can be seen in front of green trees in the background.Broads Authority
The proposed rise would be the sixth consecutive annual increase

Plans to increase toll fees on the Broads have prompted concerns as to whether boaters are getting value for money.

The Broads Authority (BA) is proposing a 3.5% increase in the amount which people pay to use the waterways for 2027/28.

The charges fund maintenance of the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads managed by the authority but have proved contentious, with the proposal potentially being the sixth consecutive annual rise.

Mark Collins, a member of the authority's navigation committee, said: "I think there is a concern that what boat owners are paying for is a declining resource."

Under the proposals, the biggest motor cruisers would have to pay £2,265.12 - an increase of £76.80, while small sailing dinghies would see their fees rise by £2.15 to £64.

Speaking at a meeting on Thursday, Collins continued: "I do not think it is unduly expensive, but I think it is about the resources people are getting is in decline."

Broads Authority A five-storey office block made up of mostly glass and some steel cladding is shown from a low angle, with some cars parked behind a wall with a glass upper section that includes the words "Broads Authority" on.Broads Authority
The Broads Authority offices are based in Norwich

Daniel Thwaites, another committee member, added: "We are appearing to be paying more for getting less.

"If you are increasing by 3.5% you do really need to demonstrate value for money."

However, some committee members defended the rise, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Stephen Bolt said: "If you keep those things the same [toll fees], the offer you get from the Broads Authority will go downhill and we will end up with a nice wetland that nobody can access.

"There has got to be a compromise. We have got to have enough money to deliver the bare minimum."

More on this story

The proposed rise – which was supported by the committee – comes amid the backdrop of a decline in numbers on the waterways.

Figures from the authority show the number of private boats using the Broads fell by 250 last year, a 2.6% drop on the previous year.

Authority officers have said the 3.5% increase would leave a reserve balance of 11.1%, which would be above the recommended 10% minimum, but provide "a cushion if boat numbers reduce further".

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