Vince Cable

Vincent Cable MP has taken up the cause of the 200 or so local people who live on riverboats along the Thames and currently have what he calls a 'feudal' status with no security of tenure. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is currently conducting a public consultation exercise on houseboats and Vincent Cable has written in support of residents who are seeking secure tenure arrangements rather than the alternative options of 'self regulation' or a voluntary star rating system for houseboat moorings.

There are several clusters of houseboats on the Twickenham bank of the Thames: Thistleworth Marina in Isleworth; Swan Island in Twickenham; Ducks Walk in East Twickenham; Taggs Island in Hampton and at Burgoine Quay in Hampton Wick.

Vincent Cable said: "While some houseboat owners are there because it provides an alternative lifestyle, many live on boats because it is the only way to afford accommodation in London. A boat and moorings cost £50-70,000 which is all that a lot of teachers and other young professionals can afford. But because there is no security of tenure, they cannot get mortgages; services are often primitive (1 toilet between 17 on one local mooring); and, although boat owners pay council tax, they do not have access to local services, like recycling.

"I raised this subject in a debate with Glenda Jackson when she was the responsible minister, but didn't get far. At least the Government is now looking at the options."