HARBOUR bosses have agreed an inflation-friendly rise in the taxes paid by mooring holders on the River Hamble.

Charities, youngsters and those living on the river are to enjoy tax breaks aimed at keeping them afloat.

But a clutch of traditional discounts enjoyed by river-users are to be thrown overboard. Harbour dues levied by Hampshire County Council on boat-owners are set to increase by three per cent at the beginning of next year.

The increase in line with inflation will see dues collected rise from £7.45 per metre to £7.67 before VAT.

With VAT, that will mean the dues levied on a 32 foot boat will increase by £2.63 to £87.98 for the whole year.

But discounts historically given to mud and tidal moorings, mid-Hamble tidal and commercial moorings are to be jettisoned.

Instead just registered marine charities and youth training groups launching onto the river will enjoy a 90 per cent discount while only 50 per cent of the tax will be raised on house boats.

Proposals have also been tabled to look at introducing a harbour due for trailer-launched vessels stored landside and those launched from public slipways.

Chairman of the River Hamble Mooring Holders' Association Roger Daw said of the overhaul of harbour dues: "We have mixed feelings on the subject. On one hand we are concerned with keeping overall charges down but on the other hand we have been concerned with the obscure ways charges have been made.

"We welcome anything that makes charges clearer and nice and standard."