As a result of pressure from various mountain rescue teams and Mountain Rescue England and Wales (MREW) concerning the amount of VAT paid by voluntary rescue teams, CSRT is pleased to hear an announcement from Chief Secretary to the Treasury - Danny Alexander, confirming a financial contribution towards the work of search and rescue throughout the UK.

Some local press has suggested that this is "government funding" for teams, which is not the case.  The money will be going to MREW which is the national coordinating body for the 48 teams throughout England and Wales. No confirmation has been received from the government or from MREW as to how this funding will be administered, although it is anticipated that it will relate to equipment support for teams. The total amount for rescue teams if divided equally, would only amount to less than a tenth of total running costs.

The team is of course grateful for the governments announcement, however the team remains a charity, and relies on voluntary contributions from members of the public.