The Government has announced a 30% increase in mileage rates for home and community support workers amid rising fuel costs.
From today, fuel subsidies for support workers travelling between clients would increase from 63.5 cents to 82.5 cents per kilometre.
Health Minister Simeon Brown said the increase would remain in place for 12 months, or until the price of 91 octane petrol falls below $3 per litre for four consecutive weeks – a similar timeframe to the Government's fuel cost relief package.
It means home and community support workers would recieve and extra $19.05 per 100km of travel.
It follows calls from some home and community support workers, who said the rising cost of fuel was making it harder to do their jobs.
Brown called the new mileage rates "timely, targeted, and temporary support to address the immediate cost pressures facing frontline workers and the services they deliver.
“We can’t control global fuel prices, but we can make sure workers delivering essential care are supported to keep services running.”
“Temporarily increasing the mileage rate for these workers recognises the vital role they play in our health system and helps ensure they can continue delivering quality care to those who need it most.
“We are committed to supporting the workforces who keep essential services running and making sure New Zealanders continue to receive the care and support they need.”
'Falls well short', Labour says
Labour health spokesperson Dr Ayesha Verrall said the mileage increase for care and support workers falls well short of the cost of doing their jobs.
She said the mileage rates had not increased since 2022, but this increase "doesn't even cover the last month of petrol price hikes".
" After cutting women’s pay last year, Christopher Luxon has set these workers back - now they face huge increases in fuel costs simply to do their jobs."
Verrall added the Government has been "slow to recognise the reality for midwives, home help, physios, disability support workers and others, who are paying huge costs out of their own pockets just to do their jobs".
"It’s patients and clients who will pay the price, many of whom are vulnerable and rely on the support they get in their homes."
The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including new booze rules, and why the government’s not worried about fuel fluctuations. (Source: 1News)
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