RNLI needs YOU

[Aikidojohn]

I am just moving this from another site please feel free to do the same.

 

AJ

 

This has just come my way - government gone mad?

Sign up and pass it on....

 

RNLI and new Ofcom charges

 

 

The background: (From the Telegraph..)

 

LIFEBOAT crews fear being scuppered by crippling new charges for using their radios from Ofcom, the communications regulator. The RNLI could see the price of using its VHF emergency frequencies rise to £250,000 under plans to charge the full commercial rate.

 

The charity, which saves hundreds of lives every year currently pays an annual £48,000 at a discounted rate of 50 per cent. It relies on donations and fears the move will have a disastrous impact on fundraising. Peter Bradley, RNLI operations staff officer, said: 'It's a lot of money when you think in terms of lifeboat days and little old ladies collecting pound coins.'

 

'We could buy several inshore lifeboats for the same amount.'

 

'The Government rely on us to provide this search-and-rescue service, at a cost of £124 million a year, but they want to charge us for doing it!'

 

Ofcom has set out plans to bring 'market forces' into maritime and civil aviation communications in a policy it calls Administered Incentive Pricing.

 

£250,000 represents an awful lot of charity collections, even more so in the current economic climate so, if like me you feel strongly enough about this, please sign the petition below.

 

http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/RNLI-RF-licences/

 

Please forward to anyone you think might help by signing the petition.

[MrWiggly]

Done John !

[Yakity - Yak - u.k.]

Done.

[maidstonemike]

But I have seen a report that says the RNLI might pay less under the new system, so who is right!

The best way to help the RNLI is JOIN!

How many of those complaining are members?

Offshore membership is £60 per year, and in my opinion, everyone who goes near the sea should join.

You get a great magazine every month, a good interactive dvd on sea safety, and the knowledge that if you need them, you won't feel so guilty!

Join up, you know it makes sense!

Edited November 8, 2008 by maidstonemike

[brian_the_gas]

Job done mate!