UK Government Reverses Decision on Volunteer Coastguard Payments After Public Backlash

The UK Government has reversed its contentious decision to halt payments for volunteer Coastguard Rescue Officers (CROs), following significant public and internal opposition. Transport Minister Keir Mather announced the policy U-turn, stating that the Department for Transport had “listened to the views of CROs, MPs, and the public.”

Under the initial proposal, introduced by the Conservative government in 2023, volunteers were set to lose payments totalling approximately £3,000 per year, which are currently provided for attending incidents and training. This move had prompted widespread condemnation from within the Coastguard service and across political factions.

Mr Mather confirmed that “the current arrangements for payments will continue,” ensuring that volunteers will retain their existing financial remuneration for their critical services. The reversal follows a period of intense pressure on the government to reconsider the measure, which many argued would severely impact recruitment and retention of essential volunteer personnel.