UK and Ireland Light Dues 2020 to 2021 A written statement1 to the UK Parliament (House of Commons, the Lower House) Rate of light dues payable to support the work of the General Lighthouse Authorities. One of Maritime Minister Nusrat Ghani’s last duties before leaving office on 13 February was to make a written statement on Light Dues, the means of financing the marine aids to navigation services of the United Kingdom. In the document she said: ‘A strong and growing maritime industry is vital to the economy of the United Kingdom and it is critical that we treasure and protect this vital artery if we are to remain a world-leading maritime centre. ‘The work of the General Lighthouse Authorities2, which provide and maintain marine aids to navigation and respond to new wrecks and navigation dangers in some of the busiest waters in the world, is crucial to underpinning that vision whilst maintaining our vigorous safety record and continuously improving standards of safety. ‘Reductions in the three General Lighthouse Authorities’ running costs have enabled the UK to reduce light dues on four occasions since 2014. For 2020 to 2021 I intend to freeze light dues rates at 37½ pence per net registered tonne. This will mean that light dues will have fallen by 30% in real terms since 2010. ‘Light dues rates will continue to be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure that the General Lighthouse Authorities are challenged to provide an effective and efficient service which offers value for money to light dues payers.’ The General Lighthouse Authorities of these islands are: Trinity House (www.trinityhouse.co.uk ) Commissioners of Northern Lighthouses (Northern Lighthouse Board) (www.nlb.org.uk) Commissioners of Irish Lights (Irish Lights) (www.irishlight.ie ) 1 1A similar statement was made the same day in the House of Lords (the Upper House) by Baroness Vere of Norbiton, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Transport. 2 Explained here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/622239/general-lighthouse-authorities-framework.pdf 2.