Anger over concessionary licence hike

The National Federation of Anglers is calling on all anglers to object to the Environment Agency's proposal to increase rod licences for disabled and older anglers by more than 30 per cent.

EA fisheries chiefs want to increase the cost of the concessionary Rod Licence from £12.25 to £16.75 a year. saying the extra income would be re-invested in fisheries.

But the NFA claims licence holders have not been given enough time to respond.

Paul Cartwright, NFA regional officer for the disabled, said: “Anglers with disabilities and older adults tend to get less value from their rod licence.

"Access to rivers is poor or non existent and concessionary licence holders tend not to go fishing in the winter when the weather is bad.

"A fifty percent concession on a full licence is about right and I cannot see how an increase is justified”

A petition has been launched. You can sign it be e-mailing petitions@nfadirect.com, and providing your name and address. Responses will be forwarded to the Environment Agency and Defra.