MOUNTAIN rescue teams should get more help from the Government, MP Tim Farron has said in a House of Commons debate today.
The Westmorland and Lonsdale MP urged minister Jim Fitzpatrick to deliver "much needed financial support” to the voluntary rescue service.
Despite saving the taxpayer millions of pounds a year, mountain rescue teams still have to pay VAT and vehicle excise duty (VED) on much of their equipment and vehicles. At a time when donations to mountain rescue are falling, down by as much as 60% this year alone due to the credit crunch, some teams are finding it almost impossible to provide their members with the necessary equipment.
Speaking after the debate, Mr Farron said: “Mountain rescue teams save the government in excess of £6 million per year, but it appears that the Government is prepared to take all and give nothing in return."
For more on the mountain rescue service's financial plight see The Westmorland Gazette on Friday.
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