RCN lobbies Chancellor on fuel prices
Published: 04 June 2008
Dr. Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), said:
“Everyone knows that fuel prices have been on the rise for months with no sign of slowing down. Nurses who work in the community have no choice but to use a vehicle to reach patients in their own homes and it’s unacceptable that many of them are facing the prospect of subsidising the NHS. I have written to the Chancellor to urge him to make the necessary changes to mileage allowances and tax relief so that nurses are fairly compensated for using their cars for work.
“In addition to that, the RCN is calling on the government to stem the rising cost of fuel by making a commitment to not take forward plans for a two pence rise in fuel duty.”
Letter to the Chancellor (WORD 43KB) is available to download
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Notes to Editors
1. The mileage allowance referred to is the Annual Mileage Allowance Payments (AMAPS) currently at 40p for the first 10,000 miles. We are currently in discussions with NHS Employers to renegotiate NHS mileage allowances. The HMRC have recently increased the advisory fuel rates for company cars, which is a clear recognition that the rising cost of fuel is hitting the pockets of those driving on business.
2. Under AMAP, if you were reimbursed more than 40p it is subject to tax. If you are reimbursed less than 40p per mile, the shortfall receives tax relief.
For further information, interviews or illustrations please contact the RCN Media Office on 0207 647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit http://www.rcn.org.uk/news/mediacentre.php
Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations.