Cheshire East Council Car Allowances Background Unison Branch Meeting Council Chamber, Crewe Wednesday 13 th August 2014

Initial Consultation Car Allowances started consultation with the Joint Trade Unions on 22 nd September Cheshire East Council stated that they had a number of requirements for an affordable single set of harmonised terms and conditions. Car Allowances started consultation with the Joint Trade Unions on 22 nd September Cheshire East Council stated that they had a number of requirements for an affordable single set of harmonised terms and conditions. Cheshire East Council requested a further meeting with Regional Trade Union Officials on 18 th July 2014 to reopen Car Allowances discussion Cheshire East Council requested a further meeting with Regional Trade Union Officials on 18 th July 2014 to reopen Car Allowances discussion Removal of regular and occasional user status. Removal of regular and occasional user status. Introduction of flat mileage rate of 45p per mile up to 10,000 miles and 25p per mile above 10,000 miles. Introduction of flat mileage rate of 45p per mile up to 10,000 miles and 25p per mile above 10,000 miles. Impact = 221 Regular Users & 3,089 Occasional Users Impact = 221 Regular Users & 3,089 Occasional Users Current Cost of Mileage = £ 1,851,901 Current Cost of Mileage = £ 1,851,901 Potential Savings (Flat Rate 45p) = £ 181,820, (NJC 46.9p) = £ 111,317 Potential Savings (Flat Rate 45p) = £ 181,820, (NJC 46.9p) = £ 111,317

National NJC Green Book National NJC Green Book Part 2 Key National Provisions 12.1 Where an employing authority authorises an employee to use a private car on official business, the employee will receive an allowance in accordance with the provision set out in Part 3 Section 6. Details of the current mileage agreement Details of the current mileage agreement

National NJC Green Book National NJC Green Book Part 3 Key National Provisions 6.1 Employees required to use their motor vehicles for the efficient performance of their duties will receive allowances for the use of their motor vehicles on business only after being so authorised by the local authority. The local authority may determine whether the use is casual or essential and the cubic capacity of car considered appropriate. 6.2 Essential users are those whose duties are of such a nature that it is essential for them to have a motor car at their disposal whenever required. If the employee uses a private car in carrying out those official duties then they shall be entitled to receive the lump sum allowance and mileage rates set out below. 6.3 Where a car is not in use as a result of either a mechanical defect or the absence of the employee through illness; (i) The lump sum payments should be paid for the remainder of the month in which the car first went out of use, and for a further three months thereafter. For the following three months, payment should be made at the rate of 50% of the lump sum payment. (ii) During the period when a car is off the road for repairs, reimbursement in respect of travel by other forms of transport should be made by the employing authority.

National NJC Green Book National NJC Green Book Part 3 Key National Provisions 6.4 Casual users are those for whom it is desirable that a car should be available when required. The mileage rates are set out below. 6.5 Local authorities should not make it a condition of employment that employees graded below point 13 should provide motor cars for official use. 6.6 An authorised car user may apply to the authority for financial assistance to purchase a car. 6.7 The allowances are contained on the card inside the back cover and will be reviewed by the NJC each year to take effect from 1 April or during the year as necessary.

Car Mileage Allowances Original Car Mileage Proposal Removal of the NJC Car Mileage Agreement for all Cheshire East employees Removal of the NJC Car Mileage Agreement for all Cheshire East employees Introduction of flat mileage rate of 45p per mile up to 10,000 miles and 25p per mile above 10,000 miles. Introduction of flat mileage rate of 45p per mile up to 10,000 miles and 25p per mile above 10,000 miles. Revised Car Mileage Proposal All Car Mileage to be paid in line with National Joint Council Agreement All Car Mileage to be paid in line with National Joint Council Agreement Essential / Regular Lump Sum Rate will be applied up to NJC Level 2 – up to £ 963 depending on vehicle size Essential / Regular Lump Sum Rate will be applied up to NJC Level 2 – up to £ 963 depending on vehicle size Essential / Regular Mileage Rate applied up to NJC Level 2 – up to 40.9p per mile (depending on engine size) Essential / Regular Mileage Rate applied up to NJC Level 2 – up to 40.9p per mile (depending on engine size) Casual Car Mileage Rate applied at NJC Level 1 – currently paid up to 52.2p per mile, but this is to be reduced to a 46.9p and 13.7p above 8,500 miles per year Casual Car Mileage Rate applied at NJC Level 1 – currently paid up to 52.2p per mile, but this is to be reduced to a 46.9p and 13.7p above 8,500 miles per year

Revised Car Mileage Rates 451 – 999cc 1000 – 1199cc1200 – 1450cc Essential Users Essential Users Lump sum per annum £846 £963 £1,239 Lump sum per annum £846 £963 £1,239 Per mile first 8, p 40.9p 50.5p Per mile first 8, p 40.9p 50.5p Per mile after 8, p 14.4p 16.4p Per mile after 8, p 14.4p 16.4p Casual Users Casual Users Per mile first 8, p 52.2p 65.0p Per mile first 8, p 52.2p 65.0p Per mile after 8, p 14.4p 16.4p Per mile after 8, p 14.4p 16.4p

Can I raise a Grievance against Cheshire East Council Decision to reduce the NJC mileage rate? It is unlikely that a Grievance can be raised against the Council’s decision to offer a reduced NJC car mileage rate, as this clearly falls within Part 3 Local Conditions of the Green Book, and is open to local negotiation It is unlikely that a Grievance can be raised against the Council’s decision to offer a reduced NJC car mileage rate, as this clearly falls within Part 3 Local Conditions of the Green Book, and is open to local negotiation

Can I refuse to use my car for work purposes UNISON is clear on this point. UNISON is clear on this point. Whilst you may not be contractually obliged to provide “a vehicle for work”, you ARE contractually obliged to undertake the duties for which you are employed. Whilst you may not be contractually obliged to provide “a vehicle for work”, you ARE contractually obliged to undertake the duties for which you are employed. As such, if you refused consistently to provide a vehicle for work the employer may consider that a breach of contract and look to performance or disciplinary procedures to resolve the issue. As such, if you refused consistently to provide a vehicle for work the employer may consider that a breach of contract and look to performance or disciplinary procedures to resolve the issue. UNISON is therefore advising members NOT to withdraw their vehicle completely from work use, but those deemed now to be CASUAL users, it is ONLY DESIREABLE that they have their car available at all times. Therefore these users can now control, when it is available to them and reschedule visits for times when their car is available. UNISON is therefore advising members NOT to withdraw their vehicle completely from work use, but those deemed now to be CASUAL users, it is ONLY DESIREABLE that they have their car available at all times. Therefore these users can now control, when it is available to them and reschedule visits for times when their car is available. Whilst we will support any member (or group of members) who wish to pursue a legitimate grievance on this matter through the appropriate channels, we would not advocate or support any pseudo-industrial action. Whilst we will support any member (or group of members) who wish to pursue a legitimate grievance on this matter through the appropriate channels, we would not advocate or support any pseudo-industrial action.

Closing Comments Cheshire East Council original proposal was a payment of 45p for ALL car mileage users. Cheshire East Council revised offer protects Essential / Regular Users and will continue to pay them - NJC Level 2 payments Cheshire East Council will pay Casual Users - NJC Level 1 payment of 46.9p for the first 8,500 miles per year, and 13.7p for miles over and above Cheshire East are going to carry out an ONLINE indicative ballot ( - or you can phone with your indication (you will need your membership number).