Lib Dems Take Campaign For Volunteer Drivers To Parliament

4.30.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 19th Aug 2008

Liberal Democrats have taken the campaign for an increase in mileage allowances for volunteer drivers in Worcestershire all the way to parliament.

Shadow Secretary of State for Health, Norman Lamb MP has tabled an Early Day Motion calling on the government to match increases in travelling expenses awarded to NHS staff for volunteer drivers. The motion has cross-party support and also calls for increases to be made tax free to reflect the rising cost of fuel.

Local Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate, Richard Burt has welcomed the move and called on Worcestershire's MPs, who have not yet signed, to back the motion.

Richard said: "Volunteer drivers across the county need the support of all local politicians for this campaign.

"I had no hesitation in signing a petition set up by my parliamentary opponent to help sustain the vital services provided by our volunteer drivers. I hope all our local MPs will reciprocate by signing Norman Lamb's Early Day Motion in parliament. Their signatures would help send a clear message to government on this issue."

EDM 2081 Lamb, Norman:

That this House recognises the vitally important work that many thousands of volunteer drivers undertake in taking patients to and from hospitals, GP surgeries and day centres; notes that the increasing cost of fuel is putting many of these services at risk as the fuel allowance for volunteer drivers remains at 40 pence per mile whilst the cost of fuel has escalated; further notes that nurses and staff in the NHS have recently been given an increase in their fuel allowance; is concerned about the impact on local health services if volunteer drivers can no longer afford to help their communities; believes that primary care trusts and other trusts should compensate volunteer drivers for their increased fuel costs and bring increases in line with those granted to NHS staff; and calls on the Government to allow all increases for NHS staff and volunteers to be tax free to reflect the rising cost of fuel.