To ask the Minister of Health when will the cap on expenses be raised for people in district nursing, given the rise in living and fuel costs.

Mileage rates for district nurses and all Agenda for Change staff are reimbursed at rates agreed nationally by the NHS Staff Council.

Mileage rates are designed to reimburse the individual for use of their vehicle for business use, and are not an additional source of income. The 56p per mile rate is payable for the first 3,500 miles each year of business use. This rate is designed to compensate for normal wear and tear on a vehicle, depreciation, and to contribute to insurance costs and the road fund licence, in addition to an amount for fuel. After 3,500 miles have been exceeded, the rate of reimbursement of 20p per mile is towards fuel costs only.

If a staff member travels 3,500, they will have already received £1,260 towards the upkeep of their vehicle for that year. The rate of 20p per mile is still more than a standard vehicle would reasonably consume in fuel at current prices.

There are no plans to change these rates.