LOCAL MP BACKS CAMPAIGN FOR COMPENSATION FOR NHS VOLUNTEER DRIVERS
August 19, 2008 1:12 AM
Local MP, and Liberal Democrat Minister for Health, Greg Mulholland, has backed a campaign calling for NHS volunteer drivers to be compensated for their fuel costs at the same rate as permanent staff.
Mr Mulholland has co-sponsored an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons, tabled by his Liberal Democrat colleague Norman Lamb MP which calls for the Government to recognise the service provided by volunteer drivers in times of increased fuel costs, and to compensate them accordingly.
The approved mileage rate for volunteer drivers had remained at 40p per mile since 2002, despite the price of petrol increasing by 60% over the same period.
Commenting Mr Mulholland said:
"Volunteer drivers provide an outstanding service taking patients to and from day centres, GP surgeries, and hospitals; but this vitally important work is being jeopardised by the rising price of fuel.
"The Government has made no attempt to compensate these drivers, despite the fact that the cost of fuel has risen 60% in just a few years.
"Without immediate action the Government is placing many of these services at risk, which could have severe consequences for the local health service".
ENDS
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