AA decision time for ?1.1bn offer

All eligible members - which excludes corporate members and associate members (spouses and children of full members) - will get a voting pack asking them to approve a ?1.1bn sale to Centrica.

The AA committee, led by chairman Sir Brian Shaw, has unanimously recommended the bid. It says Centrica, formerly the customer service arm of British Gas, will maintain service standards, keep the uniformed patrolmen and maintain the AA as an independent voice for motorists. Members will also be offered discounts on "certain British Gas products and services".

Critics of the deal say the benefits are unclear and the cash too little. For some members it is less than two years' subscriptions. There are also fears that fees will be increased and motorists with old cars will have to pay more. Votes must be cast by September 8 and the sale will go ahead if two thirds of voters approve.