SASW campaign to increase mileage allowance moves up a gear

Jackie Baillie MSP has lodged a motion in parliament calling on the Scottish Government to increase the mileage allowance rate for social workers and social care staff. 

SASW has been working with Jackie's team over summer to create the motion. It follows feedback from members about the challenges they're facing to cover fuel costs for work purposes in the current economic climate.

Most local authorities allow social workers to claim back 45p per mile, which is the maximum non-taxable rate set by HMRC. However, with the cost of fuel increasing by 30% in the last year alone and expected to rise further still, the sums aren't adding up.

Nobody should be out of pocket for doing their job. It's time for a fair increase.

14 MSPs, including Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, have supported the motion so far. But we need more; and we need your help.

SASW has created a template email you can send your MSPs urging them to sign the motion and back our campaign. Find the template here.

You can find contact details for your MSPs here.

The motion also calls on the UK Government to lift the non-taxable rate to 60p a mile and urges both governments to work together to better support social workers. Read the full motion here.

In addition, SASW National Director, Alison Bavidge has written to COSLA to find out how they are working with local authorities to increase the mileage allowance. Read the letter here.

It is neither fair nor sustainable for social workers to continue receiving an outdated allowance during a cost-of-living crisis. SASW will continue making that case loudly to Ministers and press for improvements.

If you would like to be kept updated on this campaign or get involved, please contact jonny.adamson@basw.co.uk