Written question asked by John McDonnell (Independent (affiliation)) on Wednesday, 11 December 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 16 December 2024. It was answered by Emma Hardy (Labour) on Friday, 20 December 2024 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Houseboats

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he has taken to help ensure that the children of the families of boat dwellers without a permanent mooring are able to reasonably achieve daily access to education without the risk of (a) their boat licence being shortened or withdrawn for remaining too close to one place in term time, (b) seizure of their boat by the Canal and River Trust and (c) similar enforcement action by other navigation authorities.

Answer: Navigation authorities are responsible for operational matters on their waterways, and that boaters using navigable waterways are required to comply with the terms of their licences for the benefit of all waterway users. The Canal and River Trust has provided assurances that appropriate enforcement action on its waterways is only used as a last resort in response to persistent non-compliance, to ensure fairness to all boaters. Those with children who choose to live on a boat without a permanent mooring are responsible for ensuring they have access to education; the Trust provides reasonable adjustments for anyone who qualifies under the Equalities & Human Rights Act.

Secondary information