Hamble Valley MP calls for return of fund to help independent lifeboat charities
The Hamble Valley MP wants to re-establish the Rescue Boat Fund
The Hamble Valley MP's calling for the Rescue Boat Fund to be re-established to help independent lifeboat charities.
Paul Holmes opened a debate in Parliament to bring back the grant which helped to support charities with things like equipment or maintenance.
He's telling us the life-saving services are "completely vital".
He said: "Our independent lifeboats are struggling and we all know that with the cost of living crisis going on, people are giving less.
"They're still giving but they're giving less because their budgets are hard.
"Therefore, charities, like independent lifeboats, need to be supported and I think it's important this fund is re-established.
"It's a relatively small pot really.
"2015 to 2020, it was £5.4 million, so it's not a huge amount of money, but it makes a real difference.
"We heard examples yesterday in the debate, where a grant of £7000 helps renew some of the equipment in terms of life jackets, communications equipment or just maintenance on some of their boats that they have.
"These people work all year round and volunteers go and save lives across the country, and they're finding it more difficult because the funding isn't where it should be."