British Waterways: a study in the search for sustaihnability

Abstract

This paper applies the Hicks model of sustainable income to that part of the UK waterways system administered by British Waterways. The model stresses the need to maintain intact the overall capital stock and examines the implications of this principle for the funding of the system and for its administration. A case study of a critical component in the system, the Bittell Reservoirs in North Worcestershire, demonstrates the implications of lack of funding for future sustainability, both in terms of ‘keeping the boats moving’ and in terms of the ecological, recreational and heritage value of the site. The Hicksian model is particularly apposite to the application of an admittedly loose concept (sustainability) to a situation where there is a reasonably clearly defined capital stock. Where such a stock is under threat, the focus placed on to translating ‘income’ into ‘revenue’ highlights key issues of policy in preventing further deterioration of an important national asset. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.