Increased mileage allowances for Northern Ireland nurses
Published: 04 July 2008
In partnership with other health trades unions, the RCN has led and secured the negotiation of a 10% increase in all Agenda for Change standard and regular mileage allowances for nurses across the United Kingdom.
The top regular user rate will now be 44p (representing a 4p increase) and the top standard user rate will be 58.3p (an increase of 5.3p). The passenger allowance will also increase from 2p to 5p, the cycle rate from 6.5p to 10p, and public transport rates from 23p to 24p.
The RCN is still calling on the United Kingdom government to abandon plans to increase fuel costs by 2p a litre in October. It is also seeking an increase in the annual mileage allowance payment threshold.
Further to the negotiated settlement reached on 1 July, the DHSSPS has announced an additional £8 million allocation to HSC trusts to help them cope with the rising costs of fuel. This new funding includes the provision to meet the increased mileage allowances.
Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety Michael McGimpsey MLA said: “Everyone is feeling the pinch of rising costs in food, fuel and other commodities. I am very concerned that the health and social care service is doubly hit by these rising costs as it also strives to meet 3% efficiency savings under the comprehensive spending review. I am not prepared to allow the increased costs to reduce the planned service improvements I have fought so hard to secure. That is why I am allocating an extra £8 million to help the health and social care service meet these additional pressures.
"This money will make a significant contribution to the additional costs of staff travel and the increased costs of fuel which impact on energy and transport bills for all trusts. It is essential that the health service is able to function to the best of its ability and continue to deliver high quality services to patients across Northern Ireland."