north east Fife MP Sir Menzies Campbell last night hit out at Ofcom’s proposals to increase the fees the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) pays for the use of radio channels by a staggering 600%.

The plans revealed by the independent communications regulator would mean the RNLI—a voluntary organisation—would have to pay £260,000 a year for use of the radio spectrum.

In its consultation document Ofcom says a review is needed to bring about “more efficient” use of “finite” radio communications but the charity’s supporters fear the costs could cripple the vital emergency service.

Speaking to The Courier, the former Liberal Democrat leader said the move would be a “major drain” on the RNLI and he would be asking Ofcom to seriously reconsider its plans.

“The Anstruther lifeboat crew recently invited me to accompany them on one of their regular training exercises and I was deeply impressed by their profess -ionalism and commitment,” Sir Menzies said.

“I certainly cannot understand why it is that a voluntary organisation which does such difficult and dangerous work should find itself having to pay more than six times the present charge to access necessary radio frequencies.

“There is absolutely no doubt where public opinion and common sense lie on this issue—Ofcom should most certainly think again.”

There are nine RNLI lifeboats in operation across Tayside and Fife.

Broughty Ferry, Arbroath, Montrose and Anstruther crews each operate a large all-weather and a smaller inshore vessel but Kinghorn station only operates one suitable for inshore call-outs.

Second coxswain at Broughty Ferry Dr Andrew Jeffrey is concerned that the costs could force stations to operate only one boat.

He said, “Communications equipment is vital for the saving of lives at sea and it is the view of the RNLI that, like other emergency services, we should pay nothing.”

A spokeswoman for RNLI Scotland urged supporters of the organisation to make their opinions known on Ofcom’s official website.

“The RNLI currently pays £40,000 annually in licence fees for the use of radio channels in our station/ boathouse radios, lifeguard radios, launching vehicles and pager system,” she said.

“Under Ofcom’s new pricing proposals this is set to increase by a staggering 600% to £260,000 per annum.

“The current fees paid by the RNLI are at a discounted rate of 50%.

“However, the RNLI strongly maintains that, as a charity, it should not pay anything for the use of radio spectrum when it is used solely for safety and search and rescue purposes.”