AMO & the ODPM       AMO is in dialogue with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister over rights for houseboat dwellers. See ODPM press release below: New proposals to help residential boat owners ODPM News Release 2005/0249 29 November 2005 The Government is from today consulting on the security of tenure for up to 15,000 residential boats in England, particularly in London's Canal Basins, West Midlands and Norfolk Broads. Security of Tenure for Residential Boats - England and Wales, which covers boats at moorings used for long-term residential use, proposes to establish similar protection as provided for owners of park homes in the Housing Act 2004. The consultation is proposing four options - continuing with the status quo; introducing best practice guidance for moorings; introducing a model agreement; or introducing legislation on implying terms into all agreements. Housing Minister Baroness Andrews said residential boats were a small but significant section of the housing market: "There can be no doubt residential boats help to promote diversity and choice in housing. And with this in mind what we are proposing is that the rights and responsibilities of boat owners and mooring agents are fully discussed and any alterations take full account of their needs." Chair of the Ancient Moorings Organisation, Nick Skeens said: "The issue affects not only residents but also mooring agents and organisations. Here then is an excellent opportunity for a wide discussion on residential boating issues and we expect a lively debate involving all stakeholders." The consultation paper and updates on all of the Housing Act 2004 provisions can be found on the ODPM website at: www.odpm.gov.uk Notes to Editors 1. Throughout the consultation the term “residential boat” is used. It covers both boats which are navigated and those which are permanently moored without a means of propulsion such as houseboats. 2. A “mooring” means any area of land (whether the land in question is below water or not) where a boat may be stationed for long term residential use. 3. In this context “security of tenure” means that the mooring agreement/licence for a residential boat used as a long-term residence can only be terminated if certain specified legal steps are taken. 4. The Association of Inland Navigation Authorities estimates that there are approximately 10-15000 houseboats. 5. During the passage of the Housing Bill which became the Housing Act 2004 the Government received representations that the proposed legislation should be amended to provide similar protection for those living on boats as the Bill provided (and the Act now provides) for owners of park homes.