Suffolk Coastal MP Therese Coffey has written to a charity regulator questioning whether £2.4m of public donations were being used as intended for a new RNLI Aldeburgh lifeboat.
The environment secretary has sent a letter to the Charity Commission asking what was happening to the money that had been raised to buy a Shannon-class lifeboat for the station.
READ MORE: Suffolk: Therese Coffey 'furious' at RNLI Aldeburgh 'snub'
She is concerned the charity is planning to 'downgrade' the new vessel to an Atlantic-85 inshore boat, which would restrict the station's capabilities.
The current lifeboat, the Mersey-class Freddie Cooper, has reached the end of its operational life and needs replacing.
Ms Coffey has also held a phone call with RNLI chief executive Mark Dowie during which she raised her concerns about the plans for the future provision at the station.
READ MORE: Suffolk: MP's fears Aldeburgh Lifeboat could be 'downgraded'
She said she had previously tried to arrange a meeting with Mr Dowie and went to speak to him in person after hearing he was visiting the Aldeburgh station, although she was again unable to meet him.
She said: "I’m continuing to pursue answers on behalf of Aldeburgh lifeboat station staff and local residents as part of the RNLI’s ongoing review into the future of the station and its possible downgrade.
READ MORE: Petition launched for Aldeburgh Lifeboat in Suffolk
"There is a risk that the current Mersey-class lifeboat will be replaced by an inshore Atlantic-85, which would restrict the current capabilities of the station and its crew members.
"This is in stark contrast to the review carried out in 2017, where it was concluded that the station required a new all-weather lifeboat."
She said speaking to Mr Dowie by phone "wasn't ideal", but it was important for her to have the conversation to get her points across.
READ MORE: Aldeburgh news
"I have also written a letter to the Charity Commission questioning the previously donated £2.4m funds, which I understand were restricted for Aldeburgh but are seemingly not now being used for their intended purpose. I’m awaiting their response.
"I’m determined to continue my campaign – and do all I can to prevent our precious lifeboat station from being downgraded," she added.
The RNLI has been conducting a review into lifeboat provision in the area and has been liaising with staff and volunteers at Aldeburgh about the 'correct lifeboat configuration' for the station.
READ MORE: Suffolk news
So far this year, Aldeburgh lifeboats, including the station's other inshore lifeboat, have been called out three times, all in April.
The RNLI have been approached for comment.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here