Canal boaters “face homelessness” as fees skyrocket

Britain’s boating community once migrated with the seasons; now, they are being forced from our rivers and canals by fee hikes of 75% and other charges.

By Jenni Ratcliffe

Bounding from concrete to metal, I land on Lisa Newell's narrowboat, the second boat in the flotilla. We only met moments before, but I’m welcomed aboard with familiarity. We slowly cast off toward the Canal & River Trust [CaRT] head offices. Water catches light in dapples, and the chants of united boaters become clear: “One Licence – …