Scarborough and Whitby MP Calls for Government Funds for Independent Lifeboats

Alison Hume, the Member of Parliament for Scarborough and Whitby, has urged the Government to provide financial backing for independent lifeboat services, highlighting the crucial lifesaving work carried out by the Runswick Bay rescue boat.

The Labour MP raised the issue during a Westminster Hall debate on Government support for independent lifeboats, which had been introduced by Paul Holmes MP.

Ms Hume emphasised the dual service provided across her coastal constituency, noting the presence of Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) stations alongside the independent service. She specifically pointed to the volunteer crew at Runswick Bay, a location popular for fishing, water sports, and coastal walks.

The MP delivered a strong plea for government intervention, outlining the recent high-stakes incidents handled by the local crew.

Ms Hume stated:

"We have the fantastic RNLI stations in Scarborough and in Whitby, but we also have a brilliant independent lifeboat, the Brunswick Bay rescue boat, and the volunteer crew play a critical role in saving lives.

"We have an increasing need for these boats. Just in the last few weeks, they've rescued a mother and son blown out to sea from a paddle board and rescued two walkers and their dog cut off from the tide.

"There is no alternative lifeboat based at Brunswick Bay and the rescue boat are facing serious financial challenges.

"The government has a role to play in securing their continued presence."

Ms Hume stressed that there is "no alternative lifeboat based at Runswick Bay" and confirmed that the rescue boat is currently "facing serious financial challenges".

Paul Holmes MP, who introduced the debate, agreed with Ms Hume’s assessment regarding the role of government in supporting these services.

Mr Holmes said that he had previously enjoyed "scampi and chips" in Ms Hume's constituency and joined her in paying tribute to the Runswick Bay crew.

Responding to Ms Hume’s intervention, Mr Holmes stated:

"Can I join her in paying tribute to Runswick Bay for the work that they do?

"She hits the nail on the head in terms of the role of government. 5 million pounds was the last amount of money that was allocated to the rescue boat fund. I think that is worth doing so that actually government doesn't have to step in a greater role in our search and rescue services, whatever form they take in the years ahead.

"So I entirely agree with her and I'm sure that she may have more success than I do securing a meeting with the maritime minister to make that point and hit that point to him."

Mr Holmes, a Conservative MP, explained that the last amount allocated to the rescue boat fund was £5 million. He noted that this funding would support an "invest to save" mentality for search and rescue services across the country.

The independent lifeboat sector, which is typically volunteer-run and community-funded, operates under significant financial constraints. Mr Holmes argued that the reinstatement of the rescue boat grant fund—which ceased in 2020—would ensure that life-threatening emergencies can be tackled without compromise.

According to the National Independent Lifeboat Association (NILA), independent lifeboats are responsible for saving 25% to 30% of all lives on navigable waters. These organisations rely entirely on local donations, grants, and community funding. The previous Conservative Government had donated £5.7 million to more than 100 charities through the rescue boat grant fund, but that funding ended in 2020.

Ms Hume’s call for action echoed wider concerns raised during the debate, which concluded that the reinstatement of the grant fund would provide not only financial relief but also Government recognition of the invaluable work performed by independent lifeboat volunteers.