For over a decade, Broads navigators have faced a succession of heavy – sometimes
double digit – percentage increases in the price they pay for the right to use their
boats. Although the NSBA often questioned the amount of the increase in the cost of
these river tolls, it accepted the general principle that they had to go up, to raise the
cash to allow the Broads Authority to catch up with essential works, particularly
dredging, which had been sadly neglected over many years.

The aim of the exercise was to reach a point where the Authority could balance its
books with regard to navigation. It needed to ensure sufficient income to meet its
obligations, matching that income to a suitable level of activity and expenditure. Once
that balance was achieved, so the argument went, navigators would never need to
face an increase that went beyond the level of inflation.

At last, that balancing point is in sight: from now on, there is little need for significant
increases. Except....

The Broads Authority’s income for its other functions, its government grant, is being
cut. In response, the Authority has decided that it will transfer, every year, an extra
quarter of a million pounds from actual navigation activity into paying its own
management overheads. If it does so, we all face another long period of ever more
expensive river tolls.

The NSBA believes enough is enough. Fighting these unacceptable increases will be
a long and difficult campaign. We shall need the support of all who want to see
navigation on the Broads continue at a reasonable cost.

On a happier note, NSBA events go from strength to strength. This year, the Broads
Inter-Club Championship, for the Ramuz trophy, will be sailed in a new class, which
will open the opportunity to compete as never before – you can read about it
elsewhere in this book. We also thank Hickling Broad Sailing Club for stepping in to
host the ever more successful Youth Regatta, our other flagship event, and we have a
new trophy to recognize the best of our young achievers.

NSBA will continue to organise, act and campaign on your behalf.

Come what may – have a good season!

Mark Wells Chair, NSBA February 2011

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