Council leader welcomes increase in volunteer drivers’ allowance

Shropshire Council is absolutely committed to supporting the voluntary sector that does such an amazing job supporting communities across Shropshire.

The leader of Shropshire Council has welcomed the Government’s announcement to support volunteer drivers by increasing their mileage allowance.

Keith Barrow, Shropshire Council’s Leader, said:

“This will give a real boost to our important voluntary sector and the communities they serve, and I very much welcome this fantastic news.

“I have personally been in contact with ministers to encourage an increase in mileage allowance payments as I feel this is a real barrier to volunteering, especially in such a rural county.

“We directly support around 400 volunteer drivers. Using their own vehicles, these volunteers cover over a million miles a year, providing essential transport for a wide range of passengers, including the elderly, disabled and children with special needs. At the same time this helps reduce our costs and helps us to avoid service cuts in our difficult budgetary environment.

“We are fortunate to have so many dedicated volunteers in Shropshire. They make a difference to the lives for so many of our residents and I hope that this will encourage more people to offer their time as volunteers.

“This move will also enable us to grow a stronger, more self-sustaining voluntary and community sector in Shropshire; promoting resilience, innovation and creativity, so that we are best placed to face the challenges ahead.”

The council will increase the volunteer mileage allowance to 42.4p from 1 April and continue to work with the local voluntary sector with an aim to increase this to 45p per mile in the future.