Kirstey:
You may be doing the Gatwick approach controllers a slight disservice. Routing Bourn-Shoreham under the London TMA down the East side of City and Gatwick CTAs via LAM and MAY, you pass very close to the eastern edge of Gatwick. I have found Gatwick always prepared to provide a service. When very busy I have only had FIS. When in IMC I have always had RIS. This is a route I have flown about 20 times.
On a wider question, are ATSUs obliged to provide FIR traffic with FIS if asked? Chilli, can you comment?
On the question of London Info in remote areas, I agree with earlier posters about use of London Info when in remote areas. I flew Welshpool-Snowdon-West Wales-Shobdon last weekend and could only reliably talk to London Info (above A025 or so). Is this due to the positioning of the aerials, perhaps? Liverpool & Cardiff could not be heard, even at closest point.
Regards