To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the fuel allowance for NHS district nurses was last reviewed; how often it is reviewed; and what factors are taken into consideration when setting the allowance. (183066)

The National Health Service Staff Council has overall responsibility for Agenda for Change terms and conditions that cover NHS district nurses. NHS Employers issued guidance on 10 December 2007 recommending increases to certain rates of national mileage allowances. This followed discussions between employer and staff representatives on 29 November 2007. This is an interim action, pending the outcome of the review of NHS mileage allowances currently being conducted by the NHS Staff Council. The sub-group of the NHS Staff Council is currently reviewing mileage allowances and will report to the next meeting of the Council on 11 March 2008. Mileage allowance is reviewed as and when appropriate according to the needs of the NHS.