The Department for Transport came into existence in May 2002 under machinery of government changes. From that date until June 2005, travel agent’s fees were paid at 1.5 per cent. of contract turnover, an average figure of £12,500 per quarter. Since 1 July 2005, fees have been paid at a fixed annual rate of £50,000. This figure includes one of the Department’s agencies and a small element for the Department for Communities and Local Government.
Five of the Department’s agencies either do not pay travel agent’s fees, or do not record the fees separately from other travel costs. Further information could only be provided at disproportionate cost.
The remaining agency, VOSA, spent £199,000 in 2003-04, £180,000 in 2004-05, £134,000 in 2005-06, and £124,000 in 2006-07.