Residents, river users including commercial operators and rowing clubs, and other interested members of the public are being invited to take part in a consultation on proposed changes to fees charged by the Conservators of the River Cam.
The consultation is open until 30 October and gives people the opportunity to share their views on proposed fees for the 2027/28 financial year.
The Conservators of the River Cam are the statutory navigation authority responsible for the River Cam between Bottisham Lock, near Waterbeach, and the Mill Pond in Cambridge.
Established in 1702, they maintain the river to keep it navigable, balancing the needs of river users and riverside residents, and manage the waterway with consideration for the environment.
100% of their operational income is generated through registration fees, event fees, and Section 15 application fees. Their ability to maintain navigation depends on these fees.
A public consultation on fees was last undertaken in 2021. Since then, the Conservators note that operational costs, maintenance requirements, and regulatory obligations have increased significantly.
The consultation outlines a revised fee structure. For example, as rowing activity necessitates substantially more intensive vegetation clearance the Conservators proposes that the registration fee for a double scull rowing boat would increase from approximately £1.80 per week to £5.40 per week.
The consultation includes proposals for:
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Inflation-linked increases for private powered vessels and unpowered craft.
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Changes to commercial vessel and punt operator fees.
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Revised fees for rowing clubs and university boat clubs.
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Changes to charges for events, filming and activities on the river and towpath.
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Revised application fees for works affecting the river.
These are proposals for consultation. No final decisions have been made by the Conservators.
Anyone interested in taking part can find the consultation document on the Conservators’ website and should submit their response no later than midnight on 30 October 2026.
The Conservators will be hosting a public forum at Tillage Hall, Waterbeach, CB25 9NJ commencing at 10am, on 5th November, to give members of the public and river users, the opportunity to meet the Conservancy team and raise matters of interest.
For any questions about the consultation or the public forum please email the Conservators at info@camconservators.org.uk or visit their website for more information.
Background Information
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The Conservators of the River Cam are an independent statutory body. While Cambridge City Council works with the Conservators on matters relating to the river, the proposed fees and decisions arising from the consultation are the responsibility of the Conservators.
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The current situation for inland navigation authorities across the UK is relatively challenging. Many are governed by laws made in the 1800s which can complicate governance and operational management. You can find more information at the Association of Inland Navigation Authorities (AINA).
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Commissioners appointed to the Conservancy have legal and fiduciary obligations for which they are personally responsible. The River Cam Conservancy Act 1922 provides for 13 Conservators to be appointed: up to 7 by Cambridge City Council, up to 3 by the University of Cambridge, up to 2 by the Environment Agency and 1 by the County Council.
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There is no statutory obligation for Cambridge City Council to make grant contributions to the Conservators. The 1985 Cambridge City Act amended the River Cam Conservancy Act 1922 to remove that duty.
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When the 1985 Act was being developed Cambridge City Council proposed that the Conservancy’s responsibilities could be transferred to the Environment Agency - as is the case for river users in Oxford. That option was not supported by the Conservators.
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Cambridge City Council appointed 4 conservators for a 3-year term from 1st Jan 2025. This was agreed with the Chair of the Conservators. The arrangement formed part of a wider package of support to improve and strengthen governance as the Conservancy faced financial and operational challenges.
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Cambridge City Council also provided ongoing technical support and with South Cambridgeshire District Council a £50,000 grant to help the Conservancy develop a sustainable long term operating model and a funding strategy to repair Bates Bite and Jesus Green locks. The Record of Decision can be found here.
