[holding answer 8 May 2008]: In 2007-08, £393,000 of Environment Agency funding was provided to 37 projects involving improved access. Together with partner contributions of £665,000 this resulted in a total spend of £1.058 million.
The Environment Agency collaborated with the British Disabled Angling Association to produce comprehensive “Access Guidelines for Fisheries” on how to improve access for disabled anglers. This provides a reference point for all fishery owners on the design and issues of improving access for all.
In 2008-09, subject to achieving licence sales targets, an additional £300,000 has been allocated to improving access, giving a projected spend of £600,000. The new work includes a joint programme with representatives of Disabled Angling groups of over 100 projects to identify where access can be improved for disabled anglers in particular. There will be additional access improvements projects delivered on the ground with fishery owners.
Since 2006, the Environment Agency has produced free Angling Guides in paper and internet format. This provides information on the location of publicly accessible fisheries and whether these cater for disabled anglers.
[holding answer 8 May 2008]: The Environment Agency spends £2 million each year on fisheries improvement projects, of which £300,000 is nominally allocated to improve access.
The forecast increased income arising from the concessionary change will be around £600,000. Subject to licence sales targets being achieved and suitable fisheries owners coming forward to work with them, it is anticipated that up to £300,000 (50 per cent.) of this extra income will be used in 2008-09 to undertake new work. This will provide a total spend of £600,000 on access improvement by the Environment Agency and its partners.