Some boat owners and businesses on the Norfolk Broads are concerned that toll price increases are keeping the Broads Authority afloat financially. 

The concerns follow an announcement to increase tolls by 13% this year, a move the authority is hoping will bring in £4.26m over the next financial year. 

In an effort to address concerns, a succession of frequently asked questions have been answered on the authority's website, including: "Are toll-payers 'propping up' the National Park functions of the Broads Authority?"

They assured boat owners that the toll increase was not an effort to boost income, but instead to balance the costs created by the falling value of the National Park Grant, previously used in limiting rises in the level of navigation charges.

A spokesman said: "In order to continue the effective delivery of its statutory purposes and responsibilities, and retain the enhanced safety provision from increased patrolling by seasonal Rangers, an increase in charges of 13% is required."

The Broads Authority claim it will continue to seek cost-saving measures and alternative grant funds, including decreasing office space at its Yare House office in Thorpe Road, Norwich by around 50%, saving an estimated £132,000 in 2023.

Concerns were also raised about a decrease in boats using the Broads as a result of the toll increases, potentially harming businesses that rely on the rivers trade. 

In response, the authority said: "It is not anticipated, based on previous experience, that numbers of privately-owned boats will fall."

The body also claims a grant secured from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs will be used to buy equipment such as a £250,000 plant-cutting machine that will allow them to increase their capacity to keep navigation channels clear.

The statement continued: "The reality is that many aspects of navigation have remained consistent or improved in recent years and the authority continues to improve the facilities available to the boating community.

"The total length of mooring provision has increased, there are more ranger patrols, and more plant cutting than ever in order to cope with increased growth.

"Mooring charges at Yarmouth and Norwich will increase from £6 to £8 for a day and £13 to £16 for an overnight stay.

"This is the first increase in charges in these locations since 2017."