FUEL COSTS FOR VOLUNTEER DRIVERS

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 other NHS staff have recently been awarded 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.