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Approved Mileage Allowance Payment Rate

03 July 2023

Lead MP

Elliot Colburn

Responding Minister

Gareth Davies

Tags

EconomyTaxationEmploymentBusiness & TradeChildren & Families
Word Count: 11317
Other Contributors: 11

At a Glance

Elliot Colburn raised concerns about approved mileage allowance payment rate in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key Requests to Government:

The Government should review and increase the AMAP rate to reflect current costs and commit to regular reviews of the allowance to ensure that those using their vehicles for work or volunteering are fairly compensated. The Minister is asked how much revenue would be impacted if the rate were raised to, say, 60p.

How the Debate Unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:

Lead Contributor

Opened the debate
The Approved Mileage Allowance Payment rate has been fixed at 45p/mile since 2011, which is a serious disincentive to volunteer drivers given the increase in fuel costs by over 20% over the last five years. This impacts volunteers who have helped during and after the pandemic, making it difficult for charities to recruit new volunteer drivers due to unfair compensation for car use.

Government Response

Gareth Davies
Government Response
It is a pleasure to see Mr Sharma in the Chair. The Government are committed to supporting individuals and businesses with the rising cost of living, including motoring expenses. AMAPs allow employees to receive tax-free reimbursement from their employer for business journeys using their own vehicle at rates of 45p per mile for up to 10,000 miles annually and 25p thereafter. These rates are designed as tax simplifications to make it easier for employers, employees, and small businesses to record mileage and calculate tax relief. They provide a trade-off between accuracy and simplicity for motorists, with some receiving slightly more or less relief than actual costs would suggest based on factors such as fuel efficiency and driving conditions. The AMAP rate is not mandatory; employee and employer expenses are determined individually by employers. Volunteers can receive payments in excess of the AMAP rate without tax if they provide evidence of travel costs, unlike employees who may be taxed on differences above the rate. The Government recognise the importance of volunteers and have announced an additional £100 million support package for charities and community organisations in England at spring Budget. The review period for AMAPs is conventionally held at fiscal events to align with the Office for Budget Responsibility's scoring process during the Budget, ensuring regular reviews. Self-employed individuals can choose simplified motoring expenses rates or deduct actual costs but cannot switch between options once chosen. To address cost of living issues, the Government have extended a temporary 5p fuel duty cut and cancelled inflation rise, saving £100 per household. Energy support was also extended with the energy price guarantee at £2,500 for three months from April, benefiting households by an additional £160. Free childcare hours were introduced alongside provider rate uplifts, and benefits uprating supported vulnerable households. An extensive review of AMAP rates is ongoing, incorporating engagement with industries and unions around fiscal events. The Government will continue to support communities through funding for voluntary organisations while ensuring employers determine expense reimbursement rates voluntarily.
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About Westminster Hall Debates

Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.