Briefing on navigation charges for 2026/27
On Friday 28 November 2025, the Broads Authority resolved, in line with the recommendation of its Navigation Committee, to increase navigation charges for the 11,000 boats that use the Broads by 3.5% for the 2026/27 season.
Whilst an earlier briefing paper regarding tolls charges suggested that a smaller 2.5% increase would maintain current delivery, Members felt that an additional 1% would provide a small buffer to build back some of the reduced capacity for waterways maintenance and deal with a range of issues including:
- The growth in the number of abandoned and sunken boats (a trend that is being seen nationally)
- Increases in non-compliant vessels and the costs of recovering tolls owed
- Cutting to deal with increased water plant growth, keeping the navigation open
There will be no increase in mooring charges at Ranworth Staithe, Reedham Quay and the Norwich and Great Yarmouth Yacht stations.
The Authority also agreed that the £25 administration charge for late payers should be applied at the earlier ‘Notice of Contravention’ stage and a further £25 will be charged if a second letter is required. Whilst this only contributes a small amount to the extra administration costs of dealing with late payments it is hoped it may help to combat the problem.
The Authority is acutely aware that the current economic climate continues to affect private boat owners and businesses alike. Despite the continuing reduction in the amount boats registered on the Broads, cuts made by the Authority this year have enabled a below inflation rise which maintains a balanced navigation budget.
The decline of boat numbers reflects a national trend of boat ownership and boat building which is thought to be caused by a combination of factors including a difficult economic climate, greater competition of cheap holidays and the demography of private boat owners.
Currently the only means of funding the maintenance of the waterways of the Broads is through navigation charges (tolls and mooring fees). The Authority maintains the view that the current model of funding is unsustainable. There has been some success gaining permission to spend some of the extra capital funding from Defra on items that benefit navigation however maintaining a balanced revenue budget without affecting delivery remains a huge challenge.
These decisions follow several months of extensive deliberation and consideration by members. A Briefing Paper was published on 30 September prior to a Members workshop which was held on 7 October. The Navigation Committee also debated the budget on 6 November making recommendations regarding the charges for 2026/27 to be considered by the Authority.
The full report from the meeting is available to view here: Broads Authority Committee 28 November 2025
For more general information on tolls please see the tolls section of our website.
If you have any queries or would like to speak to us directly please use our contact form.
Friday 28 November 2025