Boaters to seek judicial review for harbour fees hike

An increase in fees for people living and working on Bristol’s docks could become subject to a judicial review.

This is a type of court proceeding in which a judge reviews the lawfulness of a decision or action made by a public body, in this case Bristol City Council’s cabinet.

Bristol Boaters Community Association (BBCA), Cabot Cruising Club and Bristol Cruising Club have taken the first steps needed to seek a judicial review of the cabinet decision to introduce new harbour fees starting in April.

The groups claim that the new fees could force lots of people to leave their homes or sell their boats.

They also claim that Bristol City Council failed to consult and has also benchmarked council fees with four privately-run marinas “which provide significantly better facilities and services and are simply not comparable”.

BBCA are now crowdfunding in a bid to raise £10,000 to pay for the judicial review.

Boats are an integral part of the docks – photo: Martin Booth

A BBCA spokesperson said: “Boat owners and others have repeatedly tried to work with Bristol City Council and have been ignored. The judicial review is the last option, albeit unwelcome.

“All we want is meaningful consultation and a plan for the harbour that preserves its vibrant and diverse community.

“We understand the challenges facing the council, including the need to deliver a balanced budget, and we support a reasonable increase in mooring fees.

“But the proposed fee increases are excessive and thus we are worried about the future for our homes, leisure boats and businesses.

“We want to help Bristol City Council to get this right, and we are saddened and deeply frustrated that legal action might be needed to bring them to the table.”

The spokesperson added: “Nobody wants this to happen, our backs are against the wall. We have made this decision in order to uphold standards set out by Bristol City Council and in order to safeguard our community’s future in Bristol harbour.

“We sincerely hope that demonstrating our willingness to defend our democratic right will initiate a genuine open consultation around the new fees. We hope the Mayor’s office will reconsider and embark on a meaningful consultation as always promised and hold their decision.

“Ensuring well thought out decisions that are in the best interests of the Harbours future are paramount to us. Harbour stakeholders are willing and proactive, we just need the green light.”

Mandy Sharman and her daughter Prim are among the families who live on boats in the harbour – photo: Martin Booth

The rector of Bristol Harbourside Churches is just one of those who have lent their support to the boaters’ cause.

Kat Campion-Spall, vicar of both Holy Trinity in Hotwells and St Stephen’s in the Old City, said that she is “deeply concerned” about the impact of the fees increase.

In an open letter, she wrote: “Given the current cost-of-living crisis and shortage of affordable housing in Bristol, these new fees will have a devastating effect on people who are struggling to cope as it is, increasing the chance of forcing them into poverty, or indeed homelessness.

“We understand that these changes have come at very short notice with little to no engagement or consultation with the harbour community on the proposals, and without a needs-based assessment.

“We urge the council, the harbour master and the director of the Harbour Review to meet with the harbour community before introducing these fees, undertake the proper assessment and ensure those who reside in Bristol harbour will not be deeply affected by any proposed changes.”

Marvin Rees has previously called people who live on boats in Bristol’s docks “a privileged few”.

The mayor said that boat dwellers permanently living in the harbour on a leisure license have a “moral” duty to pay council tax.

Rees said that Bristol City Council’s role “as managers of the harbour includes providing accessibility and engaging all communities. We support the businesses and residents that call the harbour home and welcome tourists from barges to super yachts.”

Bristol City Council have been approached for comment about the judicial review.

Main photo: Martin Booth

Read next:

• Marvin Rees heckled by boaters over harbour fee hike
• ‘Bristol’s boat dwelling community could be completely swept aside’
• Bristol’s boat dwellers urge council to reconsider fee hikes
• ‘Planning hell’ over for family as self-build houseboat granted permission

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