BaNES Council Housing and Major Projects Panel endorsed the Council’s Task and Finish group report on Boat Dwellers and River Travellers on 19th November. Liveaboard boaters delivered a statement to the Panel supporting the report and explaining why the actions proposed in the report were needed.
A report published by Bath and NE Somerset Council has recommended that the Council should not endorse the CRT Local Mooring Strategy for the western K&A unless and until the Council is satisfied that it is compliant with CRT’s legal obligations under the Equality Act and the Mooring Strategy will not conflict with Council policy.
A Freedom of Information request has revealed that a meeting took place between CRT and BaNES on 2oth March this year in connection with the Council’s assessment of the inclusion of boat dwellers in its Gypsy, Traveller and Housing Strategy. Reportedly some of the BaNES representatives present were not impressed with CRT.
All liveaboard boaters (both with and without moorings) are invited to a focus group to be held by BaNES Council on 11th April. This is part of BaNES Council’s investigation of the needs and difficulties in getting access to services experienced by liveaboard boaters prior to inclusion in the Council’s strategy for travellers and nomadic people.
Something that us boaters may or may not be aware of is that we still have the right to vote even though we don’t have a fixed address. There will be local elections for Wiltshire Council (and other Councils) on May 2nd this year, and our votes could make the difference between continuing Wiltshire’s support for liveaboard boaters or not. If you fill in and send back the electoral registration form before April 17th 2013, you will be added to the electoral roll in time to vote. Here is the form boater_electoral_registration
Bath and NE Somerset Council want to hear from liveaboard boaters on the Kennet and Avon Canal and the River Avon. If you live on your boat without a home mooring, and spend some of your time between Dundas and Hanham, or if you live on a mooring in this area, the Council wants you to tell them about your needs and requirements. Please email scrutiny@bathnes.gov.uk by March 28th 2013.
When making arrangements for a meeting between BaNES Council and Sally Ash and Damian Kemp of BW in December 2011, one of the Council’s housing officers said in an email that “We .. have on-going concerns regarding their appreciation of the potential impact of the proposed moorings strategy (ie homelessness, access to education/services etc).”