Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether a formal impact assessment has been carried out regarding recruitment, retention and operational capability of the Coastguard Rescue Service across different coastal regions following proposed changes to terms of service.

The revised operating model for the Coastguard Rescue Service (CRS) has been agreed following a Court of Appeal ruling, following a case brought by a former volunteer, which meant that the current model could not legally continue. It is not a change the Government sought, but one we are required to respond to in a lawful and sustainable way.

Careful consideration was given to the options for a revised operating model. The legal position, the operational implications, the wider organisational impact and the effect on individuals have all been considered, as well as the feedback Coastguard Rescue Officers (CRO) have given us through recent surveys and engagement.

Moving to a model of volunteers with expenses but with no hourly remuneration was the best option to protect people’s choice to continue to serve their communities. Feedback from members of the Coastguard Rescue Service overwhelmingly indicated that the primary motivation for volunteering is to serve local communities and save lives. The volunteer model enables flexibility and the ability for people to volunteer alongside their primary employment.

As Volunteers our CROs will continue to receive training, equipment and operational support as well as uniforms and personal protective equipment as they do today.

Public safety remains our priority. The transition will be carefully managed to protect resilience and response capability.

Alongside the Coastguard Rescue Service, HM Coastguard will continue to draw upon the full UK Search and Rescue system, including HM Coastguard aviation assets, RNLI and independent lifeboats, independent rescue teams, lifeguards and other emergency services as they do today.

Recruitment into membership of the CRS continues as it has previously. The new model of volunteers with expenses but no hourly remuneration is due to be implemented in September 2026. The transition date was determined based on operational factors.