Scott slams Ofcom for taxing lifeboats
October 16, 2008 11:51 AM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats
Leader of the Liberal Democrats in Scotland and MSP for Shetland, Tavish Scott, has condemned Ofcom for proposing an increase in the charges that the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) pays for the use of radio channels.
Ofcom are reviewing the charges for the use of radio spectrum and are proposing that the annual charge to the RNLI should rise from £40,000 to £260,000 as part of a scheme known as Administered Incentivised Pricing.
Commenting, Mr Scott said:
"For Ofcom, effectively a branch of Government, to propose to impose such a price rise on a charity is not acceptable.
"In Britain, the RNLI, a charity supported by volunteers, provides a vital life saving service which in many other countries is provided by the state. The result is a lifeboat service second to none.
"It is not acceptable that they should be faced by the threat of such a huge hike in the taxes they pay for use of radio channels. Indeed, I cannot see why they should pay anything.
"The increased charges are meant to improve the efficiency of the use of the airwaves. But when it comes to saving lives, such arguments are not relevant and are indeed an insult to the RNLI and their crews. Ofcom must back off."
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