On Tue, 22 Jun 2010 20:56:07 +0100, "Ron Jones" <[email protected]> wrote:
>one could postulate, that they "see" effectively 2 navigation >authorities (EA, BW) funded by one (DEFRA) - just ripe for one (say BW) to >take it all over, make quite a few redundant at the EA end, and NOT increase >the head count in the other one, just make them make do with the staff they >have got on the basis that the extra bits added are not that much compared >with what they control already... ISTM that, overall, is something we could/should endorse. It would be a good way to "offer" something to the Treasury, which would/might deflect further overall waterways grant reductions. And the timing makes sense, when BW is considering a change in its organisational status. The EA waterways are probably too extensive for BW to swallow without its taking on some current EA staff, but surely the combined network could be managed with fewer than the current total complement of BW and EA. There are a number of central functions that are duplicated at present. And no more gold licences! I see it as being positive that the Minister has actually mentioned the idea of moving to one navigation authority. I think its the first time that's happened, despite years of its being suggested by boaters. Adrian Adrian Stott Tel. UK (0)7956-299966
