Claire Hughes MP has welcomed confirmation that proposed changes to payments for Coastguard Rescue Officers will not go ahead, after raising concerns shared with her by local volunteers directly with Maritime Minister Keir Mather MP.
Coastguard Rescue Officers (CROs) are volunteers who respond to emergencies around the UK’s coastline, carrying out rescues from water, mud and cliffs, as well as assisting with searches for missing people.
Under the current system, CROs can claim payment for attending emergency call-outs and training. Changes had been proposed to move to a revised volunteer model, prompting concerns from officers about what this could mean for them and the future of the service.
After being contacted by Coastguard Rescue Officers in Bangor Aberconwy, Claire met with Maritime Minister Keir Mather MP in Parliament to make sure their experiences and concerns were heard directly by Government.
Following further engagement with Coastguard Rescue Officers, the Government has confirmed that the proposed move to an expenses-only model will not go ahead. Ministers and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency will instead continue engaging with Coastguard Rescue Officers as they consider the future of the service.
Commenting, Claire Hughes MP said:
“Our Coastguard Rescue Officers give up their time to protect our communities and save lives, often in incredibly challenging circumstances. Here in North Wales, we know just how important they are and how much we rely on their skill, experience and dedication.
“When local officers got in touch with me, I made sure their concerns were heard directly by the Minister. We had a really constructive conversation, and I was pleased to see how seriously he was taking what Coastguard Rescue Officers were telling us.
“I’m really pleased that we’ve listened to Coastguard Rescue Officers and that the proposed model will not now go ahead. I’m grateful to the local officers who took the time to share their experiences with me, and I’ll continue to support them as the Government and the MCA work with CROs on what comes next.”
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has said it heard the strength of feeling surrounding the proposed changes and that the decision will allow further engagement with officers to understand the potential impact of any future changes and ensure their views help shape the service.
There are more than 3,500 Coastguard Rescue Officers across the UK, forming the volunteer arm of HM Coastguard. Their work ranges from coastal and cliff rescues to searches for missing people and responding to emergencies.
Maritime Minister Keir Mather MP said the Government had listened to the views of Coastguard Rescue Officers and would now explore options that ensure volunteers can be properly rewarded while retaining the flexibility they need to serve their communities.
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