Hastings and Rye MP welcomes re-think plans to cut Coastguard pay

Hastings coastguards have already been involved in a number of rescues this year including going to the aid of four people and a dog after they became trapped on the beach below cliffs with an incoming tide.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) had previously announced plans to scrap hourly payments for Coastguard Rescue Officers – trained, on-call volunteers who are the frontline during maritime emergencies.

Volunteers historically receive hourly remuneration – currently £11 an hour – for emergency callouts and training exercises.

The removal of payments was set to go ahead at the beginning of September after the Court of Appeal ruled volunteers are legally classified as employees entitled to a minimum wage.

But it was announced in Parliament on July 16 that the plan to axe payment in September would not go ahead and be put on hold following a wave of public protest and concerns raised by senior Coastguard officers.

Hastings MP Helena Dollimore says she has repeatedly raised her concerns in Parliament and with ministers.

In Transport Questions, she asked: "Of vital importance to our maritime sector is our coastguard and our volunteer coastguard officers. I know that the MCA's planned changes to the operating model has been causing serious concern in coastal communities like mine. I want to thank the Minister for really listening to those concerns from our coastal communities. Can I urge him to ensure that these plans are paused and do not go ahead on the 1st September, and he really looks at the MCA's handling of this situation."

The Minister for Maritime replied: "We want to ensure that CROs are treated with dignity, with respect and they are empowered to carry out the incredible duties that they do. Having listened to the views and testimonies of CROs first hand, I can confirm that the plans to move to the expenses-only volunteer model in September will not go ahead and that current arrangements will remain in place."

Ms Dollimore said: "It is welcome news that the Government has intervened to block Maritime and Coastguard Authority's plans to remove financial support for our Coastguard Rescue Officers. Coastguard and lifeboat crews are the bedrock of coastal communities like ours in Hastings, Rye and the villages and it is only right that they are properly recognised for the vital work that they do".