TAX RULES ON VOLUNTARY CAR DRIVERS MUST BE CHANGED

8.40.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Sun 13th Jul 2008

Local MP David Heath has called for a change in the tax treatment of volunteer drivers such as the Hospital Car Service to stop the reduction in numbers over recent months. Many volunteer drivers, who are not paid but receive car expenses on a mileage basis, are being forced to give up because the mileage rates fall short of the real costs of motoring.

The expenses rates are effectively set by HM Revenue & Customs rules as to the rates of car mileage payments for tax purposes, which is currently set at 40p a mile. Recent fuel increase have meant real costs are soaring, and many drivers say they can't carry on running their cars at a loss.

The issue was raised in treasury questions today by Somerton & Frome MP David Heath, who called for a relaxation in the rules or new guidance to deal with the current situation.

Mr Heath said:

"I am worried we may be losing a huge voluntary resource simply because the rules aren't catching up with reality. Of course the tax regulations affect everyone, but its particularly sad that people who are prepared to give up their time for nothing in order to help others in need should be penalised in this way."