Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s announcement on the transition of Coastguard Rescue Officers to a volunteer-with-expenses model from mid-September 2026, whether a formal impact assessment has been carried out on recruitment, retention and operational capability across coastal regions.

Careful consideration was given to the options for a revised operating model. The legal position, the operational implications, the wider organisational impact and the effect on individuals have all been considered, as well as the feedback Coastguard Rescue Officers (CRO) have given us through recent surveys and engagement. Feedback from members of the Coastguard Rescue Service overwhelmingly indicated that the primary motivation for volunteering is to serve local communities and save lives.

Public safety remains our priority. The transition will be carefully managed to protect resilience and response capability.

Alongside the Coastguard Rescue Service, HM Coastguard will continue to draw upon the full UK Search and Rescue system, including HM Coastguard aviation assets, RNLI and independent lifeboats, independent rescue teams, lifeguards and other emergency services as they do today.