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Written question asked by David Simmonds (Conservative) on Monday, 16 March 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 18 March 2026. It was answered by Emma Hardy (Labour) on Monday, 23 March 2026 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 guidance has been given to local authorities on removing unauthorised moorings on rivers; and what is the division of responsibilities between (a) councils and (b) Environment Agency.

Answer

Navigation authorities are responsible for managing operations on their waterways and the Government does not direct that. Boaters are expected to comply with the terms of their licences for the benefit of all waterway users, including any restrictions on mooring. In instances of non-compliance, navigation authorities have enforcement powers. Where a boat is occupied, particularly in cases involving potential vulnerability, navigation authorities seek to work with local authority housing and safeguarding teams to assess welfare concerns and avoid disproportionate outcomes.

There is no specific national guidance on the division of responsibilities between councils and the Environment Agency (EA) for removing boats from unauthorised moorings, as such situations typically involve shared and locally determined responsibilities. The EA engages with local authorities on the potential use of its powers to remove unregistered boats from its waterways. Where a boat is moored without permission on land owned by a local authority, the authority leads on arranging its removal with the EA providing support and coordination where appropriate.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
121211
Session
2024-26
Related items
Houseboats
Monday, 22 June 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Licensing Enforcement Houseboats Rivers
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk