The Department does not fund or subsidise the purchase of cars for members of staff. Interest-free loans are available to staff for the purchase of season tickets or bicycles to encourage green commuting. These loans are provided within HM Treasury guidance for tax-free benefits. The same tax rules apply to benefits in kind provided to employees of Government Departments as to any other employee.
In the 2007-08 financial year, the Department approved four interest-free loans for staff purchase of bicycles.
The Department is currently putting in place a ‘cycle to work’ scheme for its employees. The scheme will support employees in taking greener journeys, by enabling the Department to loan a cycle to an employee for 12-18 months. The same tax rules apply to benefits in kind provided to employees of Government departments as to any other employee.