IMPACT has sought the application of new civil service travel and subsistence rates across the public service. The union expects the matter to be discussed at a meeting with local government management this week, and letters have also been sent to officials in the education and health sectors.
Similar rates to those agreed in the civil service are usually applied across the public service – as well as being used in other sectors – because they have Revenue approval.
In a move designed to reduce carbon emissions, the new rates encourage the use of more environmentally-friendly vehicles and methods of travel. This is in line with national policy on climate action.
The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform published the revised civil service rates earlier this month. Unions and management agreed them following an arbitration hearing on a new system to calculate expenses for work-related travel. The new rates will apply from next month.
This is the first time motor travel rates have increased since they were cut by 25% in 2010. The new formula for calculating travel expenses – the first since 2005 – is to remain in place for at least three years.
IMPACT national secretary Andy Pike said the revised system, which takes account of overheads and running costs, can be easily updated with new data. “The intention is to create a more transparent method for the review of motor travel rates in future,” he said.
You can get more information on the new civil service rates HERE.