A Letter to the UK Chancellor urging him to increase the non-taxable mileage allowance for social workers
BASW England & SASW letter to the UK Chancellor urging him to increase the non-taxable mileage allowance for social workers.
The British Association of Social Workers (BASW) represents over 22,000 social workers across the UK. Our members have told us that the current mileage rate is proving inadequate to cover the travel expenditure necessary for them to carry out their role effectively. For those travelling long distances in rural areas, the pressure is even more acutely felt.
Most local authorities in England and Scotland allow social workers to claim back 45p per mile. Historically the non-taxable mileage rate has been linked to or used as the amount employers pay as their mileage rate. The non-taxable allowance is unchanged since 2011. Likewise, despite the cost of fuel increasing by 20% over the last five years alone, social work employers have not increased their mileage payments. Increasing the non-taxable allowance would signal that Government recognises how vital the work of those who need to use their cars is.
Social workers and social care staff, need and deserve to be better supported so they, in turn, can provide the best possible help to people. Instead, they currently absorb the impact of rising fuel costs, causing stress and worry when they’re trying to support people, often in difficult circumstances.
Read the full letter below
