A bill introduced in the UK's House of Lords seeks to address the housing rights and healthcare access challenges faced by individuals living on Britain's waterways. Baroness Bakewell of Hardington Mandeville, a Liberal Democrat peer, put forward the Rights of Boat Dwellers Bill, which advocates for a new ministerial duty to ensure boat dwellers have equal access to essential services.
Access to Services
The proposed legislation aims to grant boat dwellers access to services such as healthcare, education, financial services like banking, and the right to vote. According to Baroness Bakewell, many who live on boats struggle to access these services due to a lack of a permanent address. She highlighted that boaters often lack a postal address, making it difficult to receive mail, and that registering with a GP requires a permanent postcode, which marina or canalside addresses are not always accepted for.
Protections and Opposition
If passed, the bill would also prevent marina, port, and river authorities from seizing boats if such an action would infringe on a boat dweller's right to a secure home. Baroness Bakewell stated that while governments have sometimes viewed boat dwellers as not solely a 'housing issue,' it is an 'accommodation issue' that should not be overlooked.
Shadow housing minister Lord Jamieson expressed support for the principle of equal access to public services for boat dwellers. However, he raised concerns that the bill could impede the ability of mooring operators to enforce rules for boaters who fail to comply with license conditions or mooring regulations. He warned that restricting authorities' management capabilities could lead to congestion, tension among users, and unintended consequences for the communities the bill intends to assist.
Government Response
Conservative frontbencher Baroness Taylor of Stevenage, the housing minister, indicated that the government does not believe the proposed legislation would achieve its intended outcomes. While affirming the government's commitment to addressing insecurities across all housing sectors, she suggested there is no regulatory requirement to prove identity, address, or an NHS number to access a GP appointment, and pointed to NHS guidance for patients who have been turned away. She attributed the government's opposition to a 'lack of clarity' on the bill's objectives rather than a lack of respect for the views presented. Baroness Taylor expressed willingness to continue discussions with Baroness Bakewell on improving conditions for boat dwellers.
The Rights of Boat Dwellers Bill was among four private members' bills that peers agreed to scrutinize further, including bills on cohabitation rights, genocide determination, and undercover policing practices.