I have been lead to understand that there is a legal requirement for there to be such a group.

That being the case then why has the BA not facilitated the formation of one before now?

And if what I have been told is entirely right, and it comes from an impeccable source so I am confident that it is, then such a group should have been consulted in regard to the Bill.

I suspect that the BA might claim that the laughably impotent 'forum' serves that purpose, but clearly it doesn't. It appears, to me at least, that its true purpose in life is to exemplify just what a TPA should not be, namely a political tool to be manipulated as its master sees fit.

We need a representative body that is prepared to take its blazers off, roll up it sleeves, and punch well above its weight. It needs to be consulted, and, above all, listened too. It needs to be puppet and poodle free.

No earthly reason why. Whether such a consultative/lobby group be open to subscription, as an extra above tolls, or free and internet based would need to be decided.

Sea anglers have formed an incredibly effective consultative/conservation/lobby group which is internet based. It works, its listened to.

The point is, OF, that it appears that there should be a TPA or similar, and there isn't.

The Doctor appears to have done his best to reduce representation, his emasculated 'forum', his attempt to disband the Nav Com and the reduction in BA members for example, so I doubt that he would go out of his way to encourage a TPA, although time could prove me wrong.

The NSBA could be such a group, but I suspect that most boaters see it as a sail orientated body, not representative of non competitive boaters.

I suppose that any obligation for such a 'user group' is already met by the existence of the Broads Forum. Yes, yes, I know you'll say that the BF serves no function, but that's the whole idea. It ticks the box without getting in the way. On that basis I have trouble trying to picture the BA showing approval for a boater group hell-bent on securing reasonable balance. The TPA would have to earn respect and acknowledgement, not demand it. Sincere respect can never be demanded, it has to be achieved.
BT