The Government announced today that it would extend its mountain rescuers grant to support the important work of Mountain Rescue Teams across the country in a response to a Parliamentary question asked by David Rutley, MP for Macclesfield.
The grant is a real success for Mountain Rescue teams and for David and his colleagues in the All Party Parliamentary Group for Mountain Rescue, of which David is vice chair. The Group has won renewed Government support of £200,000 for 2015-16 to cover the VAT on mountain rescue equipment. The funding, first won by the joint parliamentary campaign in 2011, was due to end this year. David and colleagues have been campaigning for over a year now, including meetings with Ministers and Mountain Rescue teams.
In areas where hill walking, mountaineering and other outdoor pursuits play an important role in the lives of residents and visitors, Mountain Rescue teams are often regarded as a fourth emergency service. The teams help save many lives and protect people with serious injuries. They are led by volunteers who give up countless hours to carry out their vital work.
Mountain Rescue teams raise most of their funds from local residents who generously support their work. However, the need to upgrade equipment and take advantage of the latest technology adds to the cost of their operations. For these reasons, the continued support of the Government’s grant is an important step for Mountain Rescue teams.
David said, “Representing a constituency which includes Cheshire’s Peak District, I am very aware of the important work of our Mountain Rescue teams. I have worked closely with both the Buxton and Mountain Rescue teams and I am delighted that they and all the teams across the United Kingdom will benefit from this welcome announcement.”