Legislation Needed to Protect 'Boat People' says MP

1.46.43pm GMT Tue 21st Feb 2006

Vincent Cable MP has taken up the cause of the 200 or so local people who live on riverboats along the Thames and currently have what he calls a 'feudal' status with no security of tenure. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is currently conducting a public consultation exercise on houseboats and Vincent Cable has written in support of residents who are seeking secure tenure arrangements rather than the alternative options of 'self regulation' or a voluntary star rating system for houseboat moorings.

There are several clusters of houseboats on the Twickenham bank of the Thames: Thistleworth Marina in Isleworth; Swan Island in Twickenham; Ducks Walk in East Twickenham; Taggs Island in Hampton and at Burgoine Quay in Hampton Wick.

Vincent Cable said: "While some houseboat owners are there because it provides an alternative lifestyle, many live on boats because it is the only way to afford accommodation in London. A boat and moorings cost £50-70,000 which is all that a lot of teachers and other young professionals can afford. But because there is no security of tenure, they cannot get mortgages; services are often primitive (1 toilet between 17 on one local mooring); and, although boat owners pay council tax, they do not have access to local services, like recycling.

"I raised this subject in a debate with Glenda Jackson when she was the responsible minister, but didn't get far. At least the Government is now looking at the options."