FAQS - Changes to boat registration charges 2027-2028
Question 1 What is changing?
We are increasing boat registration charges for 2027 to 2028 by 3.5%. This Consumer Prices Index (CPI) increase is in accordance with the Environment Agency National Boat Registration Charging Scheme, published following public consultation in 2024.
Question 2 Why are you increasing charges?
We need to increase charges to keep pace with inflation while we develop our longer-term strategy. Following consultation in 2024, we advised that we would ‘apply an increase in line with inflation using the Consumer Price Index (CPI) published by the Office for National Statistics on 30 September in the immediately preceding year, unless we consult on a different level of increase’.
The increase of 3.5% represents the published CPI (excluding housing costs) on 30 September 2026. This measure of CPI is used by all Environment Agency charging schemes when increasing charges by inflation.
You can view full details of the 2024 consultation plus our response on GOV.UK.
Our approach follows the industry, with other Navigation Authorities increasing charges.
Question 3 When will you implement the changes and for how long?
The changes will take effect from 1 January 2027 for the River Thames, and 1 April 2027 for Anglian waterways and Medway navigation. Unless we consult, charges for 2028 onwards will also increase by CPI as published on 30 September 2027.
Question 4 How can I find out if these changes impact me/my charge?
The charge increase applies to boat registration charges for River Thames, Anglian waterways and Medway navigation.
You will find the cost of your registration for the next year on your registration renewal form. This will be a 3.5% increase on your charge for 2026 to 2027.
We have now published the updated Thames charges for 2027, ahead of sending the renewal notices. We will update the charges for Anglian Waterways and Medway Navigation ahead of sending their renewal notices in February 2027.
Question 5 What will the additional income pay for?
The additional income will cover increases in costs linked to inflation and will reduce the chances of costs exceeding income. This will help us to continue to deliver the navigation service, while we develop our longer-term strategy. We are also working hard to make sure we are delivering the service as efficiently as possible.
Question 6 Will we see an improvement in the service we receive?
The additional income will cover increases in costs linked to inflation and will reduce the chances of costs exceeding income. This will help us to continue to deliver the navigation service and make improvements where we can.
We share our customers’ concerns about our service. We have faced challenges from increased inflation and pressures on funding over recent years which has impacted the service. We have already started to review what we can do to improve this. We want to make improvements for the 2026 season by focusing on what will make the biggest impact for our waterway communities.
We are currently developing our new strategy for our waterways from 2026. This strategy will set out our priorities and how we will secure the sustainable future of our waterways. We will engage with our customers as we develop this strategy.
Question 7 How do I find out more?
You can view full details of the 2024 consultation plus our response on GOV.UK.
If you have any specific enquiries, please contact our Boat Registration team via email - boatreg@environment-agency.gov.uk or call 03708 506 506 (Mon to Fri 8 to 6).