Vince Cable

Vince Cable MP organised a meeting in parliament last week between the Chief Executive of the Port of London Authority (PLA) and representatives of residential boat owners including those at Thistlemouth Marina on the Twickenham bank at Richmond lock. The meeting was to discuss what many boat owners regard as unreasonable and greatly increased charges for mooring.

Vince Cable said:

"We had a good businesslike discussion. The PLA has given assurances that it will in future try mediation rather than resorting to heavy handed legal action. And it will set up communication with boat owners in future.

What the boat owners are concerned about is that big increases in mooring charges on top of council tax will make it impossible for those of modest means to continue, leading to a gentrification of the river. Boats are not like houses. They depreciate in value and shouldn't be charged to reflect the boom."