Councillor's resignation call over coastguard payment U-turn
A Northumberland councillor has called for a Government minister’s resignation over a U-turn on proposed changes to coastguard rescue officers’ pay.
The Government had proposed scrapping call-out payments for volunteer coastguard – replacing them with an expenses-only model but, following widespread opposition from volunteers, MPs and trade unions, ministers scrapped the plans.
Guy Renner-Thompson, who represents Bamburgh on Northnumberland County Council and called on Transport Minister Keir Mather to resign
Northumberland is home to seven Coastguard rescue teams – Berwick, Holy Island, Seahouses, Howick, Amble, Newbiggin and Blyth – whose volunteers respond to emergencies 24 hours a day along one of Britain’s most challenging coastlines.
Cllr Renner-Thompson condemned the original proposal as “reckless” and said Mr Mather had presided over a “complete shambles.”
In a commons statement, Mr Mather said that when people in the service raise concerns it is “absolutely right that we pause and engage again.”
Cllr Renner-Thompson said: “This was a reckless proposal that risked driving experienced Coastguard Rescue Officers out of the service and leaving communities and visitors less safe.
“Our Coastguard Rescue Officers give up their time to save lives. Instead of supporting them, Labour proposed taking away the modest payments that help make volunteering possible.”
“The Government has only backed down because of overwhelming pressure from Coastguard volunteers, MPs and the public.”
He added: “Keir Mather has presided over a complete shambles. When a minister’s decisions put public safety at risk and then have to be reversed in embarrassment, there must be accountability.”
Mr Mather told the Commons: "The Maritime and Coastguard Agency and His Majesty's Coastguard do vital work and ministers have full confidence in the service, but when those on the ground raise concerns of the scale that we've seen and when the evidence base proves insufficient, it's absolutely right that we pause and that we engage again.”
He added: "That is exactly what taking this decision to not move ahead with the new model in September facilitates, to ensure that we treat CROs with the dignity and respect that they deserve, and most importantly get this system right."
There are over 3,500 coastguards around the UK's coast.
They are officially classed as volunteers, but can claim about £11 an hour for responding to callouts or undertaking training exercises.