RNLI funding

[Charlie]

Ive never understood why the RNLI has to raise money through charities. Surely the government should provide some cash - or do they? Imagine the fire brigade had to hold coffee mornings for new hoses !! Whats the difference?

[EMDEE]

Is it not the case that when an organisation like this, (a charity) accepts government funding then the government becomes too involved in the running of it, and in many cases it is better not to have government involvement?

Don't know whether equivalent services in other countries are government funded.