Minister back-tracks on British Waterways FoI statement

Waterways Minister, Richard Benyon

Picture by Bob Naylor©

Waterways Minister Richard Benyon was quite clear when he responded in Parliament on 13 October 2011 to a question from Chippenham MP, Duncan Hames, about how the freedom of information legislation would affect the new waterways charity. 

He said: "I am grateful for the opportunity to point out that all the provisions that currently exist for British Waterways in that regard will follow through to the new charity. If the new charity is to have the credibility that it must have, it is important that we assure all those who really mind about this matter that we are protecting those rights.”

The story has taken a bizarre twist and Richard Benyon has now written to Duncan Hames saying that his statement in Parliament was 'premature' and that the issue would be decided by Defra once the responses to the latest consultation have been considered.  He further said that he will be laying a Written Ministerial Statement today to put the record straight. We will publish this as soon as it is available.

Read ➤➤ Waterways Minister pre-empts BW consultation and says Canal & River Trust will be subject to FoI Act

Also read ➤➤ Exemption from Freedom of Information Act a benefit of charity status says BW Vice Chair

Waterways Minister pre-empts BW consultation and says Canal & River Trust will be subject to FoI Act

Waterways Minister Richard Benyan: Picture by Bob Naylor©

The Waterways Minister, Richard Benyon has made it clear in a statement to Parliament that despite the protests of the eight Transition Trustees that the Freedom of Information Act would place an unfair and discriminatory burden on the charity they will, nonetheless, be bound by the legislation.

Eleven days before the closing date of the consultation Chippenham MP Duncan Hames asked Waterways Minister, Richard Benyon what plans he had to ensure the new Trust's decision-making is transparent and accountable and would he consider applying to it the Freedom of Information Act?



Richard Benyon responded, saying: "I am grateful for the opportunity to point out that all the provisions that currently exist for British Waterways in that regard will follow through to the new charity. If the new charity is to have the credibility that it must have, it is important that we assure all those who really mind about this matter that we are protecting those rights.”

BW Vice Chairman John Bridgeman
Picture by Bob Naylor©

But a few days after the Minister's announcement in Parliament, the Vice Chairman of British Waterways, John Bridgeman, who is one of Transition Trustees for the new charity,  said: "The new charity will not be 'precious' about information. We will disclose as much as we possibly and reasonably can, but that does not mean we should be bound by the Freedom of Information Act... it is a heavy cumbersome tool intended for the public sector — and we are coming out of the public sector. This new charity has a hell of a challenge anyway keeping the waterways open — we don't think it is fair to bind us to the cumbersome bureaucracy of the FOI Act."


Also read: Exemption from Freedom of Information Act a benefit of charity status says BW Vice Chair

Government announce BW move to charity status by 2012

The Cabinet Office announced today that British Waterways will  be replaced with a new civil society — as recommended by BW — to become in effect a 'national trust' for the waterways.

Waterways Minister,

Richard Benyon

Picture by Bob Naylor

Waterways Minister, Richard Benyon said, "Our waterways are a cherished feature of the British landscape and a source of joy to many. Transferring British Waterways from Government to a charitable body will give users of the waterways a greater say in their future management and help to ensure they remain a wonderful part of our natural and cultural heritage of value to society and the economy. 

    "This change reflects the confidence we have that the engagement of local communities and interest groups will ensure the success of this transfer to civil society, building on the good work of British Waterways and countless waterways enthusiasts. It’s a great example of Government giving power back to the people."

BW have been promoting a move to charitable status for more than a year saying that it will attract new investment, secure jobs and give greater involvement in the running of canals and rivers to the public.

BW chairman, Tony Hales,  welcomed the announcement saying, "This is excellent news and something we have been urging all political parties to support since last year". 

The Government intends to have the new body up and running by April 2012 but no decision has been made yet about including the Environment Agency navigations  or the Scottish canals in the new body.