[Stronsaylimpet] Coastguard volunteers - pay

[Stronsay Limpet editor]

/From Alistair Carmichael MP on Facebook:/

A frustrating meeting today with the head of the Maritime and Coastguard 
Agency about their changes to remuneration for coastguard volunteers. 
The changes have provoked serious concern about the future viability of 
these services - which is why I have secured a debate on the issue next 
Wednesday afternoon in the House of Commons.
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.

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