The NHS Staff Council has proposed new arrangements for reimbursing staff for business travel mileage.
The proposals are ready for final review in trade union consultations and, if agreed, the new rates will come into effect on 1 July 2013.
The changes will give all staff the same reimbursement rate for business mileage, irrespective of what type of car they drive and with twice yearly built-in reviews, undertaken in partnership, to ensure payments continue to cover costs incurred by staff.
A single rate of reimbursement will be more environmentally friendly and encourage the use of smaller, more efficient cars.
Greg Allen, employer side chair of the NHS Staff Council and director of human resources and workforce development at NHS Devon, said: “Both staff and employers have told the NHS Staff Council that a single rate for all users is needed and we are pleased to be making this a reality.
“We aim to ensure the same reimbursement arrangements apply to all staff, regardless of how many business miles they travel each year, and that the process is transparent and fair.”
Karen Jennings, staff side chair of the NHS Staff Council, added: “The new arrangements will ensure all those who use their vehicle for work are treated in the same way.
“The bi-annual review of costs will ensure, in future, mileage reimbursement rates more accurately reflect the costs of motoring.”
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