A campaign led by Josh MacAlister MP to cut costs for volunteer search and rescue organisations has taken another major step forward, after the Government published draft legislation confirming how eligible vehicles will be exempted from Vehicle Excise Duty.
The exemption will take effect from April 2027 and will apply to vehicles registered to search and rescue charities, used primarily for rescue activities and clearly marked as search and rescue vehicles.
Josh, who volunteers with Mountain Rescue in Cumbria, has campaigned for the change since entering Parliament. He brought search and rescue organisations together in Westminster, raised the issue directly with Treasury ministers and pressed the case that volunteer teams should not be taxed for keeping lifesaving vehicles on the road.
The Chancellor announced the exemption at the November 2025 Budget, specifically recognising Josh’s campaigning.
Josh MacAlister, MP for Whitehaven and Workington, said:
“This is another important milestone in a campaign which began here in Cumbria.
“Our volunteer search and rescue teams respond in the worst conditions, at all hours of the day and night, and rely heavily on public donations to do it. It was simply wrong that they were being charged road tax on the vehicles they need to save lives.
“The publication of the draft legislation means we are another step closer to ending that unfairness for good. From next April, more of the money raised by generous members of the public will be available for equipment, training and frontline rescue work rather than being handed back in tax.
“I am proud to have helped secure this practical change for rescue teams in Cumbria and across the country.”
Josh MacAlister MP 