Concerns Over Ending Payments to Volunteer Coastguards
Concerns have been expressed that ending payments to volunteer coastguards could "damage morale and weaken the service". Currently, approximately 400 coastguard rescue officers across 36 teams in Devon and Cornwall receive £11 per hour when responding to emergencies.
These payments are scheduled to cease in September following a court ruling that volunteers should be classified as workers, making them eligible for benefits such as sick pay and holiday pay. North Devon MP Ian Roome highlighted the importance of the volunteers, describing them as "a lifeline" and expressing worries about the impact of this change on the service.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) announced plans to adopt a new volunteer model, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
Roome urged the MCA to clarify what support will be provided if remuneration cannot continue. He emphasized that volunteer coastguards are not motivated by financial gain but undertake their duties "in all weather, at all hours, often in dangerous conditions, to keep others safe." He warned that removing the £11 hourly payment could negatively affect morale.
Local Officials Stress Importance of Payments
North Devon councillor Pru Maskell underscored the vital role of the coastguard service, stating it is "an integral part of the blue light emergency services around the north Devon coastline, particularly for the tourism and fishing sectors."
"The modest payments are vital as recognition of the dangerous and important work that they do.
It is also a way to make such volunteering, which entails a significant commitment of time and energy, financially viable for individuals in our community."
North Cornwall MP Ben Maguire expressed deep concern over the potential removal of pay, cautioning that it could lead to resignations and hinder recruitment efforts.
MCA Responds to Legal Judgment
The MCA stated that the decision to end payments follows a legal judgment requiring a change in how the service operates.
"This new model protects choice, flexibility and the ability for people to volunteer alongside their primary employment,"the agency said.
"We deeply value and recognise the significant service Coastguard Rescue Officers provide along our coastline and we will be supporting them during this transition."
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