Reference:
Request detail:
I am currently determining the usage of a tax relief for emergency services workers. This work is really important to ensure the relief is working as hoped, designed to aid the work of emergency services by removing tax that they would otherwise need to pay for doing their job.
The relief applies to workers who use an emergency vehicle while on call or commuting, so it is crucial that we get an accurate picture of the staff this includes.
The definition of emergency vehicle we use for this relief is:
A vehicle that is used to respond to emergencies (can be a car or van)
It either has a flashing light fixed to the vehicle (this doesn’t have to be permanently on the outside)
Or it would, but one is not fitted since it would endanger the physical safety of those using it by showing that they were emergency services
It must be made available on the condition that private use is prohibited unless on call or commuting.
I have five questions:
How many of your staff use emergency vehicles to commute to work or while on call, and how often do either occur?
When using an emergency vehicle privately while on-call or commuting, how is the fuel they use paid for?
What are the models and ages of the vehicles used?
Do you have an idea how much is paid annually in insurance and maintenance for each vehicle?
Around how much do the staff using the vehicles earn annually?
Particularly crucial are questions 1 to 3, as there is no civilian data from which we could make estimates.
Response detail:
Thank you for your Freedom of Information request. Please find the information requested below:
- How many of your staff use emergency vehicles to commute to work or while on call, and how often do either occur?
22 – Used for commuting on a daily basis
- When using an emergency vehicle privately while on-call or commuting, how is the fuel they use paid for?
Officers using vehicles under the Section 248A exemption have fuel paid for by the Service on fuel card. Officers not covered by this exemption submit mileage claims for eligible mileage.
- What are the models and ages of the vehicles used?
Volvo XC60 2018 – 2021
- Do you have an idea how much is paid annually in insurance and maintenance for each vehicle?
The insurance charge for 2020/21 was £ 628.93 per vehicle
The maintenance cost for 2020/21 was £314.60 per vehicle
- Around how much do the staff using the vehicles earn annually?
The average salary of these officers is £62,956.
If you are unhappy with the way your request for information has been handled, you can complain or request an internal review of the decision. This must be done within 40 working days of receiving this response. You can do this by writing to the Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, St. Michael’s Street, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY1 2HJ or email: enquiries@shropshirefire.gov.uk.
If you remain dissatisfied with the handling of your request or complaint, you have a right to appeal to the Information Commissioner at:
Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Telephone: 0303 123 1113
Website: www.ico.gov.uk
