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Email:	Dear Councillor, The recent consultation undertaken by the Council on the River Moorings Licence policy asked whether the Council should retain the current fee structure. This is a flat fee, with discounts for students, those on low incomes, those over 60, and those on low incomes. It was set up in agreement with boaters living in Cambridge, and has historically had wide support amongst the boating community, who believe it is fair and workable. A very strong majority of responses were in favour of retaining the existing structure. For the single occupancy discount for example, 76% of respondents responded in favour of keeping the discount, while just 18% felt the discount should be removed. The proposals being brought before the scrutiny committee are to scrap all the discounts and bring in a completely new fee structure based on boat width and length. The reports author makes the claim that her proposals are based on the responses to the consultation. This is a ridiculous claim - the responses clearly indicate a very strong preference for the existing fee structure to be retained. The principal argument that the Council is using for scrapping the single occupancy discount is that it is hard to enforce. This is absurd - exactly the same discount structure applies for Council Tax, and the Council does not argue that the single occupancy discount for Council Tax should be abolished for this reason! In any case, the official report on the consultation points out that 'no-one suggests this privilege is being abused' (p11, 4th para) - so why is there any need to remove the discount? In any case, arguments on enforcement should not apply to student and over-60s discounts, for which the Council require evidence to be shown. I would like you to vote against the proposals, and argue in favour of retaining the current fee structure, which I believe is fair. I would appreciate an acknowledgement of this email. I would also appreciate an indication of how you intend to vote on this matter at the Scrutiny Committee meeting, given that the Council's proposals so clearly go against the wishes of the community and the findings of the consultation. Thank you.

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