Chilli Monster
I hear what you are saying, and obviously I cannot speak for Plymouth, but Timothy's home base is Biggin Hill.
An IFR departure outside CAS from BIG IS guaranteed a radar service. We have no option - it is part of the service provision between Biggin and NATS. It is in our MATS pt 2 and if we are unable to provide a radar service (due workload etc) we must inform the pilot BEFORE departure so he may delay/accept a FIS/FAS!! (Does Luton HAVE to provide a radar service to Elstree IFR departures joining airways??) I am sure the same is true for places ATSU's outside CAS with radar.
Anyway - it's all swings and roundabouts - you don't pay for the service of pleasure flying in the London Zones and getting a RIS with Thames when you depart VFR! Surely it all evens itself out.
We are not a something-for-nothing provider any more. We (NATS) are in the harsh commercial world now matey.
Oh god - this has changed to a route charges topic. Something I have NO knowledge or interest in!!! EJECT!