StevenW2 Posted October 24, 2008 Share Posted October 24, 2008 RADIOS BILL MAY SCUPPER RNLI 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/ More details at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotlan...nds/7662989.stm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lonan3 Posted October 24, 2008 Share Posted October 24, 2008 Signature added to petition. Well worthwhile IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluemonday Posted October 24, 2008 Share Posted October 24, 2008 Thanks for posting that. Have signed and hope that everyone else will. A terrible way to treat the RNLI. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tempus Fugit Posted October 24, 2008 Share Posted October 24, 2008 typicam money-grabbing scheme with no thought for the consequences all emergency services (whether establishment or recognised independant charity) should be exempt signed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
When Skies Are Grey Posted October 24, 2008 Share Posted October 24, 2008 Sometimes I wonder what the hell these people are thinking... petition signed...lets hope it gets listened to! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bananaman Posted October 24, 2008 Share Posted October 24, 2008 Signed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3v0 Posted October 24, 2008 Share Posted October 24, 2008 Signed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mission Posted October 24, 2008 Share Posted October 24, 2008 Signed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
x-in-man Posted October 24, 2008 Share Posted October 24, 2008 Signed. Seeing as it is a charity - one wonders if the cash it has in its vast pot is safe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hugh Jampton Posted October 24, 2008 Share Posted October 24, 2008 Signed One of the few charities I support Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pragmatopian Posted October 24, 2008 Share Posted October 24, 2008 This is ridiculous. They should hang their heads in shame for demanding licensing fees for the use of emergency radios. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveP Posted October 24, 2008 Share Posted October 24, 2008 Maybe those radio hams who used to have to stump up £15 each year could send that money to the RNLI instead? Seems odd that Ofcom have withdrawn the fee for the amateur radio licence, and then want to charge charities more... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimbms Posted October 24, 2008 Share Posted October 24, 2008 Signed with no hesitation Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manxy Posted October 24, 2008 Share Posted October 24, 2008 I've signed and also noticed this on the ofcom site ofcom link ref RNLI Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Albert Tatlock Posted October 24, 2008 Share Posted October 24, 2008 Signed - they shouldn't be paying anything for a licence full stop Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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