Written question asked by Lord Moynihan (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Henley (Conservative) on Monday, 11 July 2011.

New Waterways Charity

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what are the objectives of the new waterways charity.

Answer: The Government's recent consultation ““A New Era for the Waterways”” makes the following suggestions as to the key charitable purposes of the new charity, which could be included in its constitution: the stewardship of inland waterways for the public benefit, including: their efficient operation and management; preserving and enhancing their availability for navigation; facilitating a broad range of other recreational and leisure uses for public health and well-being, including safeguarding free public access to towpaths; conserving and enhancing their built and natural heritage, including wildlife habitats; sustainable use and management of natural resources, which take account of climate change; use of the waterways as an educational resource (including museums); the restoration of waterways; and regeneration of waterways and the adjoining land corridors through which they pass. The Government plan to publish their response to this consultation in the autumn. However, the final charitable purposes will require agreement with the charity's trustees and the Charity Commission.

Secondary information