CARMICHAEL SECURES DEBATE IN PARLIAMENT ON CUTS TO COASTGUARD REMUNERATION

Carmichael secures debate in Parliament on cuts to coastguard remuneration. Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has secured a debate in Parliament on changes to the remuneration of coastguard volunteers. The debate, entitled “HMRC guidance and remuneration of coastguard volunteers”, will be held from 2:30-4pm on Wednesday 1st July.

Currently Coastguard Rescue Officers (CROs), which make up the bulk of the Coastguard Rescue Service, are given hourly remuneration for attending incidents and training exercises – approximately £11 per hour. The MCA plans to change these rules following a Court of Appeal judgement earlier this year, which classed responders as “workers” while they were carrying out their duties.

Speaking in the House, Mr Carmichael said:

“The MCA’s changes to coastguard remuneration have caused real anger and concern in the isles and in coastal communities across the UK so I am glad to have secured this early debate on the issue.

“HMRC guidance is at the heart of the MCA’s decision here. It is vital that we get answers on how we reached this point and the evidence and legal justifications on which they are basing this new policy. Whatever the reasons behind it, the outcome for our communities could be catastrophic – so a change in course must be found.

“No one volunteers with the Coastguard for the sake of the remuneration involved but those payments matter, as recognition of the work that they do, and as a way to make such volunteering financially viable. If they are allowed to go through these cuts will undermine morale amongst local crews, harm future recruitment of volunteers, and risk causing active resignations from the service.

“I look forward to leading the debate next Wednesday – and I would call on everyone with an interest in this issue to put forward evidence and make their voice heard.”

Image by Chris Jones from Pixabay