Mountain rescue team representatives from across England and Wales have taken a stand in Parliament this week, to dispute the lack of funding for cave and mountain rescue services across the country.
David Allen, Mountain Rescue England and Wales Chairman, and his colleagues put the argument to MPs during sessions from October 28 to November 1 at Westminster, aiming to ensure higher levels of funding by promoting a clearer understanding of work carried out by team volunteers.
Allen explained: “We’re keen to show our representatives in Government just how many search and rescue situations involve our volunteer members. We’ve been involved in rescues from ravines, rivers and mineshafts and even searches in town centre high streets.’’
“There is a huge discrepancy between the financial support given by government to Scottish rescuers – about £16,480 per team – and the much more limited funding to English teams of just £2,246 per team’’, added Head of Fundraising, Mike France. “If government could guarantee a level of funding from the public purse closer to the Scottish figure, we’d be able to underwrite investments in vehicles and essential kit and subsidise essential training and insurance.’’
David continued: “We get great support from the MPs local to our rescue teams and we’re hoping to extend this knowledge and support throughout Parliament this week.’’
RELATED LINKS:
www.mountain.rescue.org.uk