Transport minister responds to concerns over volunteer retention and public safety
Category: Politics
The UK government has decided to pause its plans to alter the payment model for volunteer coastguard officers, following widespread concerns about the potential impact on public safety and volunteer retention. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) announced the decision after transport minister Keir Mather engaged with Coastguard Rescue Officers (CROs) and listened to their concerns about the proposed changes.
The MCA stated it had "heard the strength of feeling" surrounding the proposed changes and agreed with ministers to pause plans to move to a revised volunteer model. This pause allows time to engage extensively with officers and understand the potential impact of any changes, ensuring their views help inform future decisions on how to shape the service.
More than 3,500 CROs perform rescues along the UK's coastline, responding to incidents such as people stuck in mud, water, or on cliffs, and assisting in searches for missing persons. Though officially classified as volunteers, these officers can claim approximately £11 per hour for responding to callouts or undertaking training exercises. They are also eligible for a minimum payment equivalent to three hours—around £33—even if an incident is resolved before that time is reached.
The MCA's initial plan to transition to an expenses-only model was prompted by a Court of Appeal ruling in January. The court classified CROs as workers due to their right to claim payment for attending incidents and training sessions, which led the MCA to propose a new operational model. Critics warned that the change would jeopardize public safety, particularly in remote communities where CROs play a key role.
MP Alistair Carmichael, who has been vocal about the issue, welcomed the decision to pause the changes. He called it a "major win for coastguard volunteers" and emphasized that the MCA's previous plans could have endangered public safety across the country, especially in island communities. He noted the importance of organizing and campaigning to secure this reversal.
Torcuil Crichton, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on volunteer rescue services, echoed Carmichael's sentiments. The Labour MP stated, "It's a huge win for the CROs who were facing massive uncertainty and anxiety over this. They are committed, they are professional, and this change for them was in danger of threatening that service."
Dr. Kelly Stockdale, a senior lecturer in criminology and a coastguard rescue officer based in Eyemouth, expressed relief that the government had listened to their concerns. "It is highly skilled work; we train for more than 100 hours to be a coastguard officer," she explained. "We continue that training with two hours every week, and that's what allows us to be able to respond when a call for help comes." She added that her main fear was that if volunteers could not afford to continue their commitment, they would leave, resulting in a loss of both personnel and experience.
Paul Arkison, a senior organizer at GMB Scotland, welcomed the U-turn but criticized the government for needing to reverse a plan that he deemed ill-considered. "The work and commitment of coastguard rescue officers could not be more important but had been needlessly risked by this ill-considered and self-harming plan," he said. Arkison emphasized that these emergency workers do not do it for the money, but the financial support allows them to continue their invaluable service.
The MCA's proposed changes were met with considerable backlash from both the public and officials, particularly in light of recent tragedies involving coastguard operations. A survey conducted by the MCA indicated that if the sole-volunteer model were implemented, at least a quarter of volunteers might quit or reduce their hours, with this figure rising to 56% in southern England. This alarming data highlighted the potential ramifications of the MCA's decision on public safety and emergency response capabilities.
Recent incidents have underscored the importance of the Coastguard service. For example, the tragic deaths of Wayne Taylor and Ian Pascoe, who drowned after attempting to rescue two children in difficulty at Seaton Carew beach, raised serious questions about the adequacy of emergency response resources. Similarly, a rescue operation in East Yorkshire saw the loss of three lives, prompting local MP Graham Stuart to commend the dedication of the Coastguard and other emergency services involved.
Following the announcement of the expenses-only model in June 2026, families of victims expressed their concerns, questioning the decision-making process behind the changes. Dan Pascoe, son of one of the victims, criticized the government, asking, "Who is making these ridiculous decisions?" He highlighted the necessity of having a reliable emergency service in a country surrounded by water.
Following the decision to pause the changes, the government is expected to work closely with Coastguard rescue officers on developing a long-term model that respects their service and compensates them fairly for their time and commitment. Minister Keir Mather has acknowledged the importance of collaboration with CROs and coastal communities to create a sustainable operational framework.
As discussions progress, it will be imperative to address the concerns raised in the surveys and to incorporate the insights of those on the front lines of rescue operations. The government must take a proactive approach to ensuring that the Coastguard service remains effective and responsive to the needs of coastal communities.
With the pause in place, stakeholders will be looking for concrete steps from the government to establish a model that balances the needs of volunteers with the imperative of maintaining public safety. The next steps in this process will be closely monitored by MPs and community leaders alike, ensuring that the voices of Coastguard rescue officers are heard as future decisions are made.