Hi everyone Good to see that Martin has his finger on the pulse and has already shared BW's response with you. Just in case, you can click here to view it, or read on below:
http://www.britishwaterways.co.uk/newsroom/stories/BW_Chief_Executive _responds_to_an_article_in_The_Times_Business_Section.html "I think it is right that I should write to all of our waterway stakeholders about an article in today's Business Section of The Times newspaper, which suggests that British Waterways could be privatised. I want to explain the background about the review to which it refers. You will be aware that press coverage sometimes tends to emphasise the sensational. The article can be viewed here: http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/utili ties/article1832318.ece Many of you will know (it was referred to several times at Efra sub committee sessions, for instance), that Government has asked BW to consider and investigate whether BW's current institutional form and financial structure are optimal for the long-term security and success of BW's inland waterways, or whether alternative options might better achieve this. To do this we are seeking expert advice and so we have put a brief out to a wide range of business consultants. To carry weight in any subsequent policy discussions we decided that the brief needed to consider the full range of possible options for British Waterways. For example these could include the status quo with a long term Government funding contract or a more contemporary structure within the public sector. It is very important to emphasise that it is not the policy of the Board or of Government to privatise British Waterways. We are currently at the tender stage of the review, and so I expect to be able to appoint specialist advisors during the summer. Their report will take time to prepare, and I don't expect this to be completed before the end of 2007. If the Review recommends any changes to BW's current structure it will be for the Board and Government to consider whether any such changes are desirable and feasible. In doing so, it would, I am sure, conduct public consultation. The review seeks to continue the success of British Waterways and the renaissance of the canals and rivers we care for. As the review takes shape I will keep you up to date on the progress and we will be working with Government to make sure it helps us secure the long term future of the waterways for public benefit. Yours sincerely, ROBIN EVANS Chief Executive" Best wishes, Eugene
