We are delighted to see the introduction of the Rights of Boat Dwellers Bill to Parliament by Baroness Bakewell of Hardington Mandeville. For the first time, a Bill has been brought forward that seeks specifically to recognise and protect the rights of people whose boat is their home.
The Bill addresses a number of long-standing issues affecting residential boaters, including recognition of boats as lawful homes, access to public services, security of tenure, and the treatment of those living aboard without a permanent mooring.
For many years, the Residential Boat Owners’ Association (RBOA) has championed the interests of residential boaters and highlighted the unique challenges faced by people who choose life on the water. While the Bill is only at the beginning of the parliamentary process, its introduction represents an important moment for the residential boating community and provides a valuable opportunity to raise awareness of the issues affecting boat dwellers across the United Kingdom.
As a Private Members’ Bill, there is no guarantee that it will become law. However, the introduction of this legislation places residential boating firmly on the parliamentary agenda and creates an important platform for discussion about the recognition, rights and protection of people living on Britain’s waterways.
The RBOA will continue to work with MPs, peers and stakeholders from across the waterways sector to ensure that the voices and experiences of residential boaters are heard throughout this process.
The RBOA welcomes the opportunity for constructive engagement with parliamentarians, navigation authorities, policymakers and the wider waterways community as these important conversations develop.
We would like to thank Baroness Bakewell of Hardington Mandeville for bringing forward this legislation and helping to raise awareness of the issues affecting residential boaters throughout the United Kingdom.