Thinking of escaping to the canals? 

Can't pull in to a layby in your own campervan. Can't have a log burner. Can't roam or camp on wild spaces. Can't stand silently protesting about anything....get the message?

The sooner people reach the conclusion its coming down to a fight between good and evil the better

A few observations as a current continuous cruiser: The CEO of the Canal and River Trust (a registered charity), Richard Parry, earns in the region of £220,000 a year. Those below him in the hierarchy have similar high salaries. Is this value for money? A genuine question considering they rely on low paid full timers and volunteers at the 'coal face'. The CRT, like most corporate organisations, has become overly obsessed with diversity, inclusion and the politics of 'climate change'. They spend huge amounts on these topics, whilst struggling to maintain a 200 yr old infrastructure. Edit: I've been stuck on the L&L canal since Oct 11th due to the canal infrastructure falling apart between Foulridge and the Wigan flight (due to re-open 2nd Feb). So much for continuous cruising eh?

I moved to Fance 20 years ago, because it was cheap as chips. A liveable farmhouse with acres of land, partly wooded, and a stream runs through it. I wanted the ' Good life '. Chickens fresh eggs and for the pot. Goats keep the land clear and give us fresh milk and cheese. Raised beds for veg. Fruit trees already there, and woods full wood for the fires. Happiness began with the smoke from the chimney. I now cannot function without a computer, damn thing this internet. My sceptic tank is fine but non conforming, my home is not ' insulated ' ie non conforming. I burn wood to heat our home, now non conforming. I drive an old car, now non conforming. My son has left, my dear wife dead, and I cannot sell because what I own is now unsellable. I don't mind, I will die a non conformist. This gentle land gave me all the divinity I needed to be divine,and to find it. Mr Vobes we love you.

I've been living aboard my narrowboat for 7 years and in that time I've noticed a massive change in the costs. I live on a permanent mooring and we have been penalised with energy costs (78p per kw) and zero help from the government, mooring fee increases, license fee increased year on year... it is getting to be almost as expensive as living on the land. It is hard work, emptying your own loo, finding water and rubbish disposal points... but I love it! They appear to be trying to make this way of life less appealing...

Hi Richard. I live on a narrowboat on the Leeds-liverpool-canal and I have recently got a home mooring on the canal just in time for this upcoming change. Its worth pointing out the government is cutting their 200million annual grant and the CRT will undoubtedly will have to come up with more of these schemes to shake boaters down. Navigations like our Albert Dock and many that were included in your annual fee and now chargeable. Whiles the government is sending billions abroad things at home are being defunded. Makes my blood boil😡

I have lived full time on my narrowboat since 2006, I am single handed and travel all round the country I dont have a home mooring, I am what CRT call a constant cruiser, this year they have put the boat licence for live aboard constant crusers, the fee is going up 25 % over the next 5 years, this will force thousands of constant cruisers off the canal, they have stopped all upkeep of tow paths they call it Re- wilding, I am totally out of the system living my dream and these bastards want me in a smart city,

I'm not a boater, but would hate to see this way of life put at risk. I currently watch Ben and Emily. People living in different ways, why not.

I own a Narrowboat and have witnessed Marina fees doubling, CRT charges increasing massively, coal prices doubling etc etc. There are 2 main alternative lifestyles here in England, Van life and Boat life. Both are under attack by The British State Richard.

We lived on a narrowboat for five years had a fantastic life then sold up bought a motorhome and have travelled here in the UK and abroad for the last six and a half years and still going strong.

I’m a regular viewer of Narrowboat channels. The license fee increases must be justified by improving services for narrowboaters. So many times I’ve heard on various Narrowboat channels, about fresh water points with low pressure taking excessive time to fill water tanks, or water points that aren’t working. The lack of services such as rubbish removal points, safe car parking, dump station points, and toilets. Then there are problems using the lock mechanisms, most are worn out, difficult to use. The canals themselves, lack of mooring points, overgrown trees, towpaths not maintained, the list goes on. Cheers, a concerned narrowboat channel viewer from Australia 🇦🇺.

I was very interested in this subject as my husband and I are planning to move on to our 55 footer next spring after we have done a complete interior refurb. We have always wanted to try this lifestyle and will be on a marina in Leicestershire. The mooring costs are very reasonable at the moment but it isn't the most salubrious of marinas, in fact it's a working marina. Quiet and pretty but basic, bring it on ! It seems to dash any hopes though of a free travelling existance ! It's not fair and my heart goes out to those affected! We must take a stand against this tyranny !

Living on a moving home, like a canal boat, offers a unique blend of freedom, simplicity, and connection to nature. It's a life less cluttered, both physically and mentally, urging you to focus on what truly matters. This lifestyle fosters a deep sense of community while allowing for personal solitude and reflection. It challenges you with new experiences, encouraging growth and adaptability. Embracing the ebb and flow of waterway life, you learn to appreciate the beauty of each moment and the ever-changing scenery. It's a reminder that life, much like the rivers and canals, is a journey, not a destination.

I can't see Klaus Schwab allowing anyone living in a Canal boat beyond 2030.

We live on a boat but in a marina and made the move nearly 2 years ago. There are 3 of us: our 26 yr old son with special needs who needs everything doing for him, my wife 62 and myself 65. Our move on to the boat was a financial necessity but we are not sorry because it is an amazing community of all sorts. However it is a worry with things going up all the while, we had to have a 70’ widebeam for the 3 of us so moving around is much more difficult.

Here's the bottom line mate ... They don't want anyone being free ... I remember living in a truck , similar thing always being moved ... I parked in town once or twice .. the council rep said oh you can't park here ... Why not I said ... She looked up at the tower block across the road and said ... Well they'll get upset because they pay council tax and you don't ... There's your telling answer 😂

thanks Richard and Julia, the canal life looks so amazing, these anti human monsters in authority need to be at the bottom of the canals in my view.

Thanks for highlighting this Richard. My wife and I have been living on the Kennet and Avon canal near Pewsey for the past 10 years or so. I for one would be willing to cancel my licence fee until the CRT take notice that we won't be bullied into submission. This is all it takes my friends - unity and action. It'll will only be effective en-masse so lets pull together and starve them of their funds until we can all agree a fair price for the upkeep of our beloved canals.

I seem to remember in recent times the Water Ways Board selling off important canal side property for housing developments regardless of the impact on canal life.

As you mentioned continuous cruisers like myself are being penalised by the CRT by the increase of boat licences. A large percentage of continuous cruisers choose this lifestyle because they can't afford to live in conventional housing wether that be ownership, council or private renting, especially around the London area. As someone that retired in 2019 and lives off a private pension I personally cannot afford the astronomical costs of living in a house in the North London area so chose the canals as a more affordable way to live. The costs of permanent mooring in this area are out of reach for a lot of boat owners, which is why we choose to continually cruise. A point to note is boat owners with a permanent mooring are still subject to paying a CRT boat licence fee but will not be subjected to the 25% increase. The problem I foresee is the increase in licence fee for continuous cruising will force more owners either into poverty, debt, or not being able to pay the fee, which will just add to the large amount of boaters which are already in that situation. CRT need to stop picking on the minority, stop taking advantage of unpaid volunteers or low paid workers, reduce the salaries of the fat cats sitting in the CRT ivory tower and spend the money, they already raise through not only boat licences, more wisely. Yes we all know that the government has threatened to reduce the grant it gives to the CRT, but that's not the fault of continuous cruisers

Years ago to fall in line with the EU, they doubled the price of diesel fuel for engines but not heating. Even though I do not have a canal boat I protested by email at the unfairness of it. Now we have left ? The EU this tax should be removed. Phil.

Wonderful to Listen You ❤ Just Living the Wartime Dream and Lifestyle and Frugal to the Core of my Life and staying CLOSE to Kin&Loved Ones ❤ Keep your Own Local Areas Safe, Clean, Warm&Tidy! Stay English, Irish, Welsh and Scottish ❤❤

A lot of narrow boat canal RU-vidrs who I followed for years have left the canals. We still have Kevin Shelley on ""Country House Gent".

I'm highlighting this problem in my vlogs and I'm also highlighting all the least used parts of this country. I'm living on my boat and I rely on RU-vid income which is small. I feel I'm being targeted because of the government donation shortfall. We are a minority that are mainly on the lowest incomes. Thanks for highlighting this Richard. ❤

I hope every Brit has read "Three Men in a Boat." So much wit and laughter on every page. It made this fellow in Virginia want to own a fox terrier and take a trip on the water ways of England.

Hi Richard, i moved 10 years a go from a appartement to a ⛵️ sailing boat for financial reasons. The first year was hard and colt in the winter. I pute very good isolation material in the boat, so that problem was solved😅. I stay in the marina and i love living on my boat. 8 years a go a young couple start living on a sailing boat, after 2 years the bay a bigger boat and now the have 2 lovely children. In the marina was a small group of people who live on there boat and the are all very nice. In the last 3 years there are now a lot of people who live on a boat in the marina, all young people about 25 to 35 years old. Me, i am 55 years old, and it takes more time to paint the boat. The marina where i stay is in the midle of nature, a 🚲ride for 10 minites and i can do my shopping and there is the Subway and in 15 minuten it brings me to the centrum of Rotterdam. Everything is getting expensive a specialy energy. In the Netherlands the government is making it diffilcult for people who want to live on a boat. The people who moved to a boat 8 years a go or longer time a go, hath no problems at all. There is a facillity for circus people and for people who stay and work on big boats to ship cargo, that facillity is your home adres. Until 8 years a go there was a loop hole in the law that if you are the kapitein of your own boat you good register in that facillity, now the government make that inpossible for new people who want to live on a boat. So i am lucky !! After 10 years i still ❤ living on my ⛵️. Have a great day Richard and Julia. Powerlove from the Netherlands

Hi Richard, I am a live aboard boater and have been on the canals and rivers for 16 years. Whilst I currently have a private home mooring I did live as a continuous cruiser for 12 years. These licensing charge increases for continuous cruisers is nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to rid the canals of liveaboards in general and continuous crusers in particular and get everyone paying for a marina mooring (most of which do not allow live aboards). The argument that they use the system more is ridiculous when compared to most other canal user groups. Since CRT took control of the canals from British Waterways in 2012, there has been a decline in the number of facilities points and sanitary stations around the network; the number of serious defects on the maintenance list has increased; there is more general delapidation of the infrastructure and towpaths. All whilst the board members have all had massive salary increases and wasted money on unnecessary branding/rebranding and equity/diversity schemes...

I love the canal, i am fortunate to live near one. There are a couple of cafes on the side and its lovely to have a cup of coffee and just be near water. Its also a beatiful walk as yousay Richard there are lovely bridges and locks and some wildlife, ducks and swans....Further across the canal at Saul Junction there are canal boats moored up and people moving along the canal...very beautiful x

I worked on the hydraulic pipework for the Kennet canal lift bridge at Aldermaston Wharf to allow barges through. This was in the early 80’s when they were reopening the Kennet canal. I live in Tamworth now which is surrounded by canals. Love to walk down them.

I’ve lived on 2 major rivers in the southern US and have personally witnessed the complete uncaring/unlawful use of companies and government. Period. Thank you.🎯💥🌸

The network of canals rank right up up there with the stately homes, castles and palaces that the public are able to enjoy. They are a national treasure and need to be preserved by the government at all costs, not simply written off or allowed to be exploited by any special interest groups out there. I have spent 2 holidays over the years on the canal system and it is the most relaxing time I have ever spent. Pootling along at 3-4mph whilst drinking in the visual wonder of the land the canals pass through and the wildlife they support. I live close to 2 canals, the Grand Union and Aylesbury Arm, and also have 4 nearby reservoirs that feed them and have spent many hours over the years watching and photographing the wildlife and scenery. An amble along the tow paths, observing the flora and fauna, is highly therapeutic too! Richard - did you ever see any of the Canal programmes with Timothy West and Prunella Scales? Worth a watch!

WEFology, visiting the countryside will be an 'occasional treat' it's there for anyone to read. I had a huge row with the council during the last re vamp of the canal tow paths in the late 80's, I used to ride my horse on one in my village very early before work, one day there were 'obstructions' put into place, I pointed out that they were originally made for horses but council said no horses anymore, only people and bicycles, prams, dogs....

They are trying to stop camping, also caravaning especially van life, using log or open fires because they want to stop people being away from houses.

Hi Richard. You hit the nail on the head. My wife and I started continous cruising in Feb 2023. We thoroughly love it, yes it is hard work and a slower way of life. I agree with Bernard, with reference to cc'ers being discriminated against. I can't see how the C&RT will get away with it. Another factor that we have noticed, which you didn't mention, is the fact that the C&RT are removing more and more services along the canal such as refugee points, water points and Elsans. Something does need to be done about this, just not sure what. Regards, Eden

As the parasitic class continues to grow, it will need more victims to feed on. 'Authority' will never leave us alone through choice , as that would mean them having to get a proper job.

Richard I’m 71, 2024 will be my 24th year on my boat as a continues cruiser, I live alone and am now surviving on a state pension, I do all my own maintenance as can’t afford engineers rates. I’m now suffering with arthritis in both hands making it very painful to even use a screwdriver let alone locks, I also have other health issues including high blood pressure. I still have to move every 14 days and do the distance required by crt. The new increases in licence fee will affect me drastically being on a state pension only, I will have to reduce buying coal and calor gas and rely on wood I find on towpath etc. it seems my lifestyle choice has caught with me the government and crt will drive me into an early grave i fear

I used to love the canals and locks around Cheshire and Manchester. Sometimes we’d help the barges operate the locks. I was always fascinated by the engineering involved in such a system. I just hope that interfering councils keep their grimy fingers off such delights

The Jack-Boot-Warriors CAME for the Motorists First! ... Then for the Campervan/MotorHome Communities ... Are they NOW!! Coming for the Canal/Narrowboat/WideBeam Communities?? ... "You Will HAVE NOTHING - You Will BE! Happy"

The canals are a great part of our heritage. A great way of life. Thank you for promoting them.

As I think you know Richard I am a continuous cruiser. I contacted the CRT on how they have worked out that we use more facilities. This was at least two months ago and they have not replied to me. I am sure it has nothing to do with using more facilities but pushing people into a 15-minute neighbourhood, known as a marina on the waterways. BTW adding 5% per annum will mean the increase will be more than 25% after five years, as you will be paying 5% on the 5% on the5% upto the 5 years. I did do a short video on this a few weeks ago, called Is the CRT Fit for Purpose, or Is it nefarious outside influences?

I haven't been on a narrow boat but I've hired cabin cruises on waterways in Britain. I always went solo on boating breaks and I was in the Norfolk Broads for a fortnight during the fuel crisis of the mid seventies. As ration books had been issued they were reluctant to sell diesel. However they agreed to fill my tank when they saw that the dipstick shewed low fuel. There were no fuel gages on boats. It's so peaceful and calming travelling at 4mph . When I arrived back in Sheffield the first thing I noticed was the noise and the hustle and bustle. It took me ages to get used to life in the city again. It would be lovely to see the back of all the garbage jobs and city life and just be, in a quiet countryside setting free of ackies and burnt logs. BLISS.

I have been living on a narrow boat and more recently a widebeam and can highly recommend it. It is still way cheaper than renting or owning a house and making the bankers rich.

not just the canals I lived aboard in falmouth harbour 10 years ago when I moved on the council swinging mooring (basically a bouy you tie up to was £400 a year It soon crept up to £6000 plus after the big shake up within falmouth harbour commission

We also went on the Kennet and Avon canal, we felt such peace. ❤ The Caine Locks are definitely challenging! 🥴It's just another way of life under attack by those who have too much power and money. I do believe there is going to be quite a push back in 2024.

I moved on to a boat 20 years ago. The canals have steadily changed over the years due to lack of funding. 10 years ago I decided to have my own residential boatyard, now 7 boats reside there. As for not being able to afford a mooring, all live aboard can claim benefits to pay for mooring fees and licences. My pal has just sold his house and moved onto a boat its still a good move if you know how to navigate the system.

If you think about it living on a boat is a pipe dream. In reality there's no electricity, gas or water supply to the boat. A mailing address is very difficult as is getting rid of waste and sewage. It is cold for all but a few months in summer and getting a mooring can often be impossible. Many get a boat as a last resort to survive. The government can't think of enough ways to drive us into submission and subservience.

I think no matter what alternative living you try and choose ,your hit in the pocket ,motor homes as you know ,insurance sky high ,I don't know about house boats , but I bet there's a few fees there ,the thing is,there's not enough ,alternative living sites,I'm lucky I live near a canal , and often take that route into town,wouldn't it be great to have a house boat ,and a camper van as well

Couple of feature films mark this heritage: Ealing Films PAINTED BOATS in 1945... And THE BARGEE, 1964. Cliff Richard lived on a barge in TAKE ME HIGH in 1973 - - the best idea given he was moored in Birmingham.

The canalboats in the UK are very much like RVs in the US. It’s a great lifestyle and you’re constantly meeting interesting characters all of whom are ready to lend a helping hand. I’ve always wanted to spend some time cruising the canals of the UK and Europe. I need to act on this.

It's amazing you're just a "little behind", Richard. After all you were quite sick and yet you managed to make a video. Quite a rooster without a b00ster, lol! Thanks again for time and effort

All this stops when we the people say so!

Movement will be restricted on land and water, Richard. !!!

Hi Richard. We are owners of a leisure narrowboat. We keep it in a marina and go out probably a dozen times a year for weekends, day trips and holidays. We pay marina fees plus the licence and all the running costs associated with keeping a narrowboat. We mostly use the marina facilities to fill water and despose of rubbish, Empty toilets etc. (Our licence costs approximately £1200 a year) which will increase every year. The reason that the canal and river trust is hiking the license fees is because the government is withdrawing funding, which is going to criple the upkeep of the canals and we can see many of them becoming un-navigable. We owned boats 25 years ago and came back to it 4 years ago. We have noticed deterioration since those years when it was British waterways... even with government funding! We have also noticed a massive increase in constant cruisers and the fact that when we do go out on our boat that there are very limited places to moor because of this. It has become trendy to live off the grid, but we do have to pay for the services that we use in anything that we do. (Legally) in the uk. We also live a house, and our council tax and water rates far exeeds the cost of the constant cruisers licence fees. We also looked into hiring narrowboats out and commercial hire boat licence fees are double of a private licence. (We decided it wouldn't be viable in the end) I'm not complaining. I just wanted to put across the point of a leisure boater. We love the inland waterways and the great community spirit that there is... long may it last! Take care and have a happy new year 😊 Cath

Finding new ways to make our lives more miserable seems to be the main motivation of those in authority these days. I suppose if they can't think up some new restriction or charge to impose they haven't got a job.

We had two wonderful narrowboat holidays, years ago. So peaceful and gentle.

People are frightened of losing their jobs, their vehicles, their homes and are beat down. All that spirit of hope and protest from the 60's and 70's has gone. Mobile phones have mesmerized and stultified the sheeple as I call the mass populace and the profit motive is killing our planet. All in the space of 250years. You're a wonderful chap. I thoroughly agree with all you've said today. Thankyou for transmitting your messages of possibilities and government stupidities. I am a fan and a comrade.

Living on the canal does appear to be very idyllic and can make for a great holiday, but life full time on the canal does take a great deal of planning and hard work. In the UK, more and more people are seeking an alternative lifestyle. Some are forced into a life on the road or canal, but most are searching for something more spiritual I believe. The UK and soon world government are not happy with people seeking freedom from their control and so this drip drip of restrictions on the poorer in society I hasten to add, because the wealthiest in society can afford to pay these taxes being brought about to stifle what little freedom we have left.

Hope you and Julia had a lovely Christmas, also Richard.

PureBloods Rock 🌹

Hi Richard. I'm a live aboard boater. Continuous cruiser. 19 years now off grid. I'm 61. They're really coming for us now. Financially and also our woodburners we use to keep warm. It's the only way in winter. We all have lines in the sand of what we'll put up with from the authorities. I feel this will be mine. Great channel you have. Cheers. phil.

I've been a part of the canal life for over 6 years having 4 weeks per year owning a share on a canal boat. The cost of owning our own boat is quite high but we are looking into taking the plunge of owning one. We are fully aware of the the amount of money it takes to run a canal and river system and are prepared for increases for using the canal. It amazes me that we pay so little to get to use something so beautiful and its probably the most relaxing way of life imaginable. This comes at a cost and are aware of the rules and regulations. We do not own our spot on the canal, we are just visitors who have been granted access to such an amazing resource.

we must resist the great reset please share.

I chat to people in my nearest town… one is a sole trader who’s conscious and he told me loads of people are waking up now! Made my day 😍 i have friends who live on the canal in that town too.

Narrowboat "Phoenix - Rising from the Hashish" is my baby, she's a 40ft 1970s cruiser stern, reverse layout in trad colours with a Lister air-cooled 20hp diesel and lovely pram covers. Currently on the Bridgewater Canal, unlicensed, I've told them I'll pay when I see two lanes open again both ways between Stretford and Altringham, currently one-way due to overgrown trees, been that way for years, and dredge the corners at Worsley and Castlefield... lol! Arrr, the life of a pirate for meeeee! By the way, they've always had that rule on the Bridgewater, it's separate and distinct from the CRT.

There are 47,000 miles of rivers in the UK. The public have free access to only 1400 miles of those waterways.

Good morning Richard; Many years ago, I spent 3 years living on my boat, (a 55foot steel displacement cruiser), luckily I had my own private mooring, complete with services, on a piece of land I'd bought for the purpose. I was never permitted to build a dwelling on the land, but I did have a large-ish barn/workshop which proved very useful. Itinerant boaters we're never a problem, they were always friendly, courteous and mindful of causing the least possible disturbance to my home as they passed by, or dropped in for a cuppa in their home. The problems arose with holiday-makers in hired boats who tend to have no idea what they're doing. They travel too fast, too close, (I've been hit a few times), and they're generally downright irresponsible! I have seen multiple instances of rubbish just being thrown overboard; not something any responsible boater would dream of doing. They can be a blight on river life; a scourge on the water! Personally, I believe that anyone who wishes to hire a boat of any kind, should have to undergo mandatory training in boat handling, regulation observance and waterbourne manners prior to being permitted on the rivers and canals. I'd probably still be living afloat were it not for the constant disturbances through the holiday season. I must admit that, without the idiots, living aboard a boat is about as good as it gets. I still own the land, workshop and mooring, and rent the latter to a charming family who live on their 60foot houseboat and have been there for 5 years. The CRT don't have the staff to properly police rivers and canals, if they did, life afloat would almost certainly be much more peaceful.

Thanks for mentioning this important issue. Much appreciated.

As a fisherman I'm a little frustrated by the endless boats along long stretches of the local rivers but I respect your right to use the river for your purpose. Not surprising to hear that you are being squeezed from every angle while the government splurge the taxes they collect abroad!

Anybody thinking buying any canal barge or leisure vessel need to take a sober look from getting a professional out of the water survey what may appear to be a bargain can turn out to an expensive nightmare the cost engine repair/prop shaft/prop/rudder/electrics also general state of the hull along with annual maintenances/berthing fees including shore power the list goes on be prepared to have deep pockets. Many dreams of living a life on the water have been dashed just see the discarded hulks but if one is diligent taking the right steps at the beginning speaking to the right people and right live aboard barge/boat with a budget you can afford it can be life changing experience.

Nice new Jumper Richard 😊

Appreciate you covering this Richard. The proposals, which are coming into play, are indeed discriminatory. Another example is the 25% discount on the license fee, for electric boats. Which ironically require generators to charge the required propulsion batteries, as solar cannot provide the required energy alone. The requirement to move on, at least every 14 days, forces continuous cruisers, whom are being discriminated against, also forces more engine/fuel usage, and whilst understandable, isn’t being considered as the new and increasing license fees are introduced. It’s a complex mix of action which impacts only those, like us, who live aboard. Thanks again for bringing this subject to a wider audience.

I am fortunate to be living on a narrowboat. I've been doing so for nearly 9 years. My boat is 94 years old and used to be pulled by horse. It's a great way of life.

Me and my family live on a 70ft narrow. I'm also a roving trader. Lost everything in COVID due to being self employed and renting. Used our savings to buy the boat. They're coming for us 100% They'll have to craine me out because I'm not going anywhere.

This argument has been going on for years and will never end. I fought them for 7 years with several court hearings. All a waste of time as what goes into court has little to do with your actual argument and complete lies are put into court against you. The corruption in every aspect of the court process is unbelievable and endemic. In the end my boat was stolen in breach of an undertaking to the court and without further court action I could do nothing about it. My advice? Do not live on the canals if you want a pleasant and peaceful life. The marina dwellers and boat clubs and societies hate you.

*Success depends on the actions or steps you take to achieve it. Building wealth involves developing good habits, such as regularly setting aside money for sound investments.*

Great to see you back to normal. Well done Richard.👍

Just like they're doing with country dwellers. They increase the cost of living for these groups of people making it less appealing to live in these places in a way it suits them to live. But oh, the expense. It would be cheaper and more convenient to live in a big town or city. Or in this case a marina. Its just another method of corraling people in to ever larger groups into ever smaller areas to make controling them and their movements easier.

Adding more expenses to the owning of a barge will force some to leave thier boat-dwelling life. They altready have the cost of maintenence, which for an old barge, can be very high.

Hi Richard.I have lived on a canal boat for about 12 years. My wife suffers with Vertigo, so we had a new Wide-beam canal boat built. After 2 years, my wife decided she wasn’t happy to stay on the canal, and left. We sold our wide-beam, I then bought a narrow boat..by this time I had a mooring. Not residential but I could still spend plenty of time onboard. My elder brother has joined me on his return to the UK, helping with the bills. The costs have nearly doubled since then, so it’s a bit of a stretch of both our pensions combined. The canal maintenance has decreased significantly in recent years. Services have been reduced, the rules are changed it seems, at regular intervals, non of which are to boaters benefit. The claim is that there is insufficient money to cover the cost of keeping the service levels as they were. Yet there seems to be enough to pay tens of thousands to Senior Management, as well as the wasted ideas they come up with. Many of the people who live on the canals enjoy the lifestyle, there is plenty of community spirit, but it has certainly changed a lot in recent years.

Julia is lovely and you both look so happy on the canal barge🧚‍♂️✨️☘️

Good day Richard, It is so unfortunate that your government does not recognize the revenues that narrow boaters generate directly or indirectly as they travel up and down the system. If it was not for the many individuals who use the waterways several villages and towns, along the canals, would not survive financially. One just has to watch the vlogs, which these devoted individuals put out, to understand that they are as reliant on the canal side businesses as the businesses are on them; it is a symbiotic relationship that keeps people employed year round. Living on a narrow boat is not an easy life due to the elements and the uncertainties which lie ahead. One never knows if they will have an unexpected mechanical break down or the weather turns snarky for several days or the water point has shut down due to a broken pipe. Yes, to counter this there are those wonderful moments of watching a beautiful sunset or experiencing a kingfisher an its mate or coming across a town rich in history. Mark Alberta, Canada

A company i worked for Contracted to the canal trust for maintenance 10 men full time then they discovered ' volunteers ' all ten of us gone plus many more across the country and shock horror maintenance has fallen they dont care about what they have in the canal network and those that live on it but they do care about the margins

All the best for the New year Richard Your looking alot better than the last video I watched Thanks for your video

I am one of those people who had to sell my place and bought a live-a-board widebeam. I rent a mooring but they are increasingly hard to find and expensive, so I agree this lifestyle choice is gradually being made harder.

I was hoping to retire onto the canals about to buy a boat when I got wind of the increases . Think the average cost is around £1000 with a planed increase of around 25% over the next few years . Floaters who live in marinas are not charged this proposed fee like the continuous cruisers. The fee is based on the boat length . It Been well known the existing traveling community who used the system as a cheaper why of life who had no means of income were pretty much left alone in the past have been forced off the system my continued increase in the canal and river trust fees . I've seen RU-vid videos of the enforcement and seizing of boats that bacame unregistered due to ever increasing fees pushing these people off the waterways by the charity who manage the system. With no provision for those with little income or and often not eligible to claim benefit or taking up a council house . Very little support for these who's home is on the canal network . It seems it's being turned into another for profit driven business . I got the stage of actually bidding on boats and then realised it unaffordable with the increasing costs especially now living alone . And it looked like no single person allowance . I believe it's being done to prevent traveling on the canal system and the rules seem to be enforcement of a push towards the 15 minute zones to keep boaters in marinas I'm beginning to hate life fixed to house and always wanted to travel the canal network but the cost and effort to do this alone seem to be increasingly marking this more difficult . And can't see it stopping with just increasing fees the next thing will be emission and ban on woodburners and so on also ownership of vehicle makes even more expensive to the point of being out of reach of the majority with no support whatever for those with little or no income

I speak to people on the canal boats all the time and have met a few awake people. I don't envy them staying on the water, as it is absolutely freezing in the winter. It is not a good way to live, imho.

Life on a canal boat may seem like an idyllic life but the reality of it is far from the ideal dream many ppl have of its reality. With the constant moving and stopping every half or quarter mile to navigate the locks are in reality very hard work. With ever increasing age it only gets harder. With summer being an ideal time and Winter being a harder time. I had a canal boat and lived on it for several months during the summer and during winter I stay in my flat. I did a few weeks in the Autumn and winter and wouldn't recommend it for any one with any mobility issues..if u are thinking of this life on the canals do a 2 week in the summer then 2 weeks in winter and you will soon find if that life is for you.

Because the boaters have applied for licence means they are bound by the rules. License means you are asking permission from perceived authorities and have handed over your sovereignty. Revoke the licence, return it to the CEO of the canals and rivers trust with an affidavit and notice of conditional acceptance confirming your standing as a living men and women who need no one's permission to enjoy the waters that no one owns. They have 40 days to rebut all claims in the affidavit which will likely remain ignored. After that the claims in the affidavit become fact in law and no one can challenge it. Then any attempts at enforcement thereafter you can take the CEO to court.

Utuber David who runs "Cruising the Cut" channel, can give you up to date. The canal operators want every user as short term tourists, NOT long term residents. The cruisers need to find a group with "Protected Characteristics" under the Equalities Act 2010 to get anywhere with the discrimination argument.

The marinas were happy to put big locks on the gates to stop you even attending your boats during lock down even though they still wanted marina fees! They said they did this to keep us safe,, even though angler's could sit on the river bank and fish but boat owners couldn't sit in the middle of the river alone! What a joke 😂

Thanks Richard. Your videos are truly enriching

Can see what is happening. As with landlubbers, they are controlling where they want you to live. Marina's aka aquatic 15 min cities. Happy New Year Folks ❤

Very happy you are so much better you look like you are back to your healthy self take care

I think I have had some thing similar Richard. When I was a boy I used to have dream's about operating a canal boat 🤔😊👍🖐️

You have been given the award for 2023's Independent media award! Congratulations sir! A well deserved recipient.....those whose eyes are opened, many of us now, see your contributions for what they are...priceless. Happy New year and God Bless Mr Vobes...a true patriot of the people!

Having lived on the water, it is indeed jolly hard work! usually pursued by people that have no interest in taking the easy road.. a person's character is forged by adversity, the easy road teaches us nothing.

I think you'll find the executives of the trust are interesting - yet not surprising the further you go down the list it is oh yeah, here we go.

The reason for this increase is beyond the control of the Canals and Rivers Trust. The government are withdrawing their contribution to the CRT annual funds. Ok, this is taxpayers money, but the canals are not used only by boaters. The CRT also maintains the towpaths and bridges that are used by others such as walkers, cyclists, fishermen and the general public at large. As HMG can find money to waste on other things, which I will not mention as this post will disappear, perhaps they should reconsider this short sighted decision.

Hi Richard love your research and dedication for humanity God Bless You and Yours 🎉 Never been to the UK 🇬🇧 Regards Andrea from Australia 🇦🇺 Lord Jesus has already won all these battles at the Cross, so we win in the end.

Thanjs for your "lovely" reports Hello from Canada