Decision details

The Leader, acting on behalf of the Cabinet Member for Environment is asked to consider the following recommendations:

1.    Notes the update report on the Basingstoke Canal Authority’s performance.

2.    Approves the Basingstoke Canal Authority partnership’s final revenue outturn for 2023/24, the revised revenue budget for 2024/25, the forward revenue budget and scheme of charges for 2025/26, subject to a parallel decision taken by the Hampshire County Council Executive Lead Member for Universal Services on 3 March 2025

The Leader, acting on behalf of the Cabinet Member for Environment:

1.     Noted the update report on the Basingstoke Canal Authority’s performance. 

2.     Approved the Basingstoke Canal Authority partnership’s final revenue outturn for 2023/24, the revised revenue budget for 2024/25, the forward revenue budget and scheme of charges for 2025/26, subject to a parallel decision taken by the Hampshire County Council Executive Lead Member for Universal Services on 3 March 2025

The Basingstoke Canal was owned by Surrey and Hampshire County Council. It was used for:

·         public recreation along the towpath and as a navigable waterway;

·         for conservation (it was mostly designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)); and

·         as an integral part of the local drainage network in the Boroughs of Runnymede, Woking, Guildford and Surrey Heath.

The Basingstoke Canal was vulnerable to certain aspects of climate change particularly heavy rainfall events and drought, because of the deterioration of aging assets. These risks could be effectively mitigated through active inspection, management, maintenance and a 24-hour duty system. 

The operation of the Canal was through the Basingstoke Canal Authority (BCA), a joint partnership which provided a cost-effective way of collectively managing the risks and benefits of owning the Basingstoke Canal for both Hampshire and Surrey County Councils. 

The Annual Update Report provided an update on progress and activities. It outlined, for approval, the proposed budget and scheme of charges, which allowed the BCA to operate at a level required to deliver each County Council’s statutory duties for a further 12 months.

None.