Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to help support small independent lifeboat organisations.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) chairs UK Search and Rescue (UKSAR) on behalf of the Department for Transport. UKSAR supports national volunteer search and rescue groups, including independent lifeboat organisations, on a wide range of issues.

The MCA's Rescue Boat Code introduced in 2013 is a key foundation for the safe and effective operation of independent lifeboats. The Code is currently being revised in consultation with all lifeboat operators to better support these organisations and to help clarify the responsibilities and requirements for all rescue boats to safely operate across the UK.

Since April 2015, search and rescue charities, including independent lifeboats, may recover VAT on the purchase of goods and services used for their non-business activities.