Study - PLA River Works Licences for Residential Use

An independent study has been underway to establish a method for setting PLA River Works Licence fees for residential use. It has looked at a method for setting fees, how to phase in any changes, options for dispute resolution. A steering group was established to direct this work, provide a forum for debate, supply information and consider recommendations. Licensees and residents were also consulted at the outset of the study in 2010.

A Proposals Report by the independent consultants was subject to a 10-week formal public consultation which closed on Friday 18th November 2011. The Reports of the results of the public consultation are linked below.

The consultants’ Final Recommendation Report is now available. It will be considered by the PLA Board early in 2012. To download copies of the Report and the Consultants’ Response to the Public Consultation (which were updated with minor text amendments on 23 December) use the links below:

NEW – Documents for download

River Works Licence Charges for Residential (Houseboat) Use Report and Consultation Documents

PLA River Works Licences for Residential Use Proposals Report
PLA River Works Licences Issues List (September 2011)

This page also contains the steering group's terms of reference, minutes of its meetings and updates on its work.

Legal Opinion

The Steering Group asked barrister Robin Purchas for an independent legal opinion on aspects of the Port of London Act 1968 relating to residential river works licensing.

That legal opinion, which informed the ongoing study, is below.

PLA River Works Licences Opinion - June 2011

Background to the study

Letter to Licencees (26 October 2010)
List of Issues for independent study
Terms of Reference for independent study
Review of initial licensee and resident consultations

Steering Group Minutes

Further information on this topic will be published when available.