Payments for coastguard volunteers to continue
Coastguard volunteers will continue to receive payments beyond September, after the government intervened to stop plans by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to withdraw their financial inducements.
Last month, the MCA announced their intention to remove the £11 per hour for training and emergency call-outs, following a court ruling which deemed that volunteers could not be classed as “workers”; therefore not entitled to payments.
However, it caused a political backlash, with MPs from coastal and island communities, along with unions, roundly criticising the MCA during a debate in Westminster.
Yesterday (Thursday) it was announced by the Department for Transport that it is intervening to abandon the plans by the MCA to remove the financial remuneration.
Talks will now get underway over a long-term solution.
Na h-Eileanan an Iar MP Torcuil Crichton argued that removing the payments would have undermined recruitment and retention, devalued the commitment of volunteer volunteers and risked weakening the resilience of the UK's maritime search and rescue capability.
As Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Voluntary Search and Rescue, Mr Crichton has played a leading role in the campaign to persuade the government to reverse its plans.
Welcoming the announcement, he said: "I am delighted that the Department for Transport has listened to the concerns of coastguard rescue officers and the many people who supported this campaign. This is the right decision.
"Coastguard rescue officers give up countless hours to protect lives in often dangerous and demanding circumstances. The modest financial remuneration they receive recognises the significant commitment they make and helps ensure that this vital volunteer service remains sustainable.
"This announcement demonstrates what can be achieved when volunteers, parliamentarians and communities work together. I pay tribute to every coastguard rescue officer who spoke out, shared their experiences and stood up for the future of the service. I also thank colleagues from across parliament who supported our efforts through the APPG on Voluntary Search & Rescue”.
Mr Crichton said he would continue working with coastguard officers and the UK Government to ensure the long-term sustainability of the volunteer Coastguard Rescue Service and to support those who dedicate their time and expertise to keeping the public safe.
In a statement issued to Parliament, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport, Keir Mather MP said: “On 1 June, it was communicated that the Coastguard Rescue Service would change to an expenses-only volunteer model from September 2026.
“I have listened to the views and testimonies of coastguard rescue officers about how these changes might affect them.
“MPs across the House, on behalf of their constituents, have raised concerns through parliamentary questions, a Westminster Hall debate and an Urgent Question. This engagement has been invaluable. I have also heard the deep concerns from many in the coastguard officer community about this change.
“I can therefore confirm that plans to move to the expenses-only volunteer model in September will not go ahead, and current arrangements will remain in place.”