We, in partnership with other health trade unions, have achieved a new mechanism for NHS mileage reimbursement through negotiations with the NHS Staff Council.
The current mechanism uses fuel prices rather than the full costs of motoring, which means you’ve been out of pocket, as it does not include the full costs of travelling for work when using your own car. As we saw in January 2026, this led to rates dropping because fuel was cheaper, when the other costs of motoring have increased.
We recognise that the new scheme is not entirely perfect. If, for example, you are a high-mileage driver or drive an older, less fuel-efficient car, the new proposals may not fully cover your costs.
However, we believe the new mechanism is better than continuing with the current one, which only considers fuel price.
You can find more comprehensive details about the scheme and our position here.
This consultation, if agreed, will directly impact BDA members working in England. Members working in other parts of the UK will not be bound by this consultation, but it will be for each country in the UK to decide what mechanism works best for them. It is therefore important for all BDA members to provide us with their views.
How can you have your say?
Consultation now closed.
