RNLI stations could close if ofcom get their way

Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2009 10:04 am

i dont know if this link will work but if not copy and paste it , i think its discusting what ofcom are trying to do it will put all boat owners lives at risk that go to sea worried

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/3089310/Radio-charges-may-force-lifeboat-stations-to-close.html

Dave big grin

Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2009 11:23 am

I just can't believe that such a proposal could be tabled. I was under the impression that the radio licence was free to all RNLI boats but this seems to be far from the case. I do't know about charging them an increase but as far I as am concerned all charges and fees to such a worthy institution should be abolished.

What are the brains of Britain thinking about?
Has the world gone potty? angry

Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2009 1:00 pm

im with you keith ,but how do ofcom justily an increase from £45,000 to £360,000 a year just seems like another tax hike on an institue that the govermant pay nothing towards

Dave big grin

Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2009 1:09 pm

Its sick along with the rest of the government.
Another reason for me to up and leave for Australia with wife and 2 kids,last one out pull the chain.
Rant over.

Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2009 1:17 pm

Obviously this is how they are generating money to lend to the banks! Just when I was thinking about buying a canoe as well.

Member Joined: May 15, 2008 Posts: 94 Location: South West

Another well thought out plan/fine mess (delete as appropriate). Trying to acheive one thing they make a pigs-ear of several other things, just like what they're doing with one-or-two (hundred) other things at the moment. These guys are supposed to be professional politicians, etc so should be able to avoid these mistakes, not enthusiastic amateurs that maybe could be excused. They will put these things out to consultation. The folk they consult get sent rather of lot of things to look at, as well as do what they're supposed to do. They don't have time to properly consider and reply on all. When they do the expedient view is to ignore what they say if it dosn't appear to meet the agenda. What is the agenda here?

Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2009 6:28 pm

rabbi2 wrote:

I just can't believe that such a proposal could be tabled. I was under the impression that the radio licence was free to all RNLI boats but this seems to be far from the case. I do't know about charging them an increase but as far I as am concerned all charges and fees to such a worthy institution should be abolished.

What are the brains of Britain thinking about?
Has the world gone potty? angry

The standard vhf set fitted to boats are, as you say free of any licence fee (at present). What is being proposed here is a charge levied on the shore based transmittor stations. The extra cost when viewed as a proportion of the current income/expenditure is quite small! Still big numbers, but a small percentage of overall costs.
I have yet to see any mention from the RNLI of closures relating to this proposal. The threats of closure have eminated from smaller voluntary associations.
I am with you though. The RNLI provide a service funded soley from the voluntary sector, neither wanting nor receiving government funding. The cost of such a service at public expense would be massive. Any help in reducing running costs should be applied. A further fee should in my opinion be shelved without any discussion.