Mileage rates for healthcare staff haven’t increased since 2011 – MP Jamie Stone calls for rethink to support rural workers
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Far north MP Jamie Stone says a staff mileage rate that hasn’t changed in a decade is penalising healthcare workers in rural areas.
Mr Stone, the Liberal Democrat MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, wants the UK government to kickstart discussions with the Treasury and the Scottish Government on the issue.
He highlighted that the rate had not increased since 2011, despite inflation increasing by roughly 40 per cent in that time.
The current rate of remuneration is 61p per mile going down to 25p per mile after 3500 miles per year. The mileage rate in Scotland was temporarily increased by 5p per mile during the pandemic, but this was reversed four months later.
Mr Stone said: "Mileage reimbursements for health and social care staff continue to be a problem for currently serving staff and any staff considering relocating to remote areas like the Highlands.
"The 3500-mile cut-off penalises healthcare staff who are required to travel long distances as part of their job. On top of that, the mileage rates as they are haven't been increased since 2011. We have seen a 40 per cent rise in inflation since then. What we're left with is key workers out of pocket, which is unacceptable.
"It's time both the UK and Scottish governments looked seriously about how to recruit and retain health and social care staff, especially in rural areas. Revising the mileage rates would be a good place to start."
