Hon Simeon Brown
Minister of Health

Home and community support workers will receive a temporary 30 per cent increase to their mileage rates to help offset rising fuel costs, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

• 30 per cent boost to mileage rates for home and community support workers
• Timely, temporary, and targeted support
• Supporting continuity of essential healthcare services

“Home and community support workers play a critical role in delivering essential services to some of our most vulnerable New Zealanders, and we deeply value the meaningful work they carry out in communities across the country,” Mr Brown says.

“Their role requires frequent daily travel to provide care in people’s homes, and we are acting quickly to ease the pressure of rising fuel costs caused by conflict in the Middle East while they carry out this vital work.

“From today, mileage rates for home and community support workers will increase by 30 per cent, from 63.5 cents to 82.5 cents per kilometre, to help offset the cost of rising fuel prices.”

The increase will remain in place for up to 12 months, or until the price of 91 octane petrol falls below $3 per litre for four consecutive weeks. It will apply to home and community support workers who work for providers contracted to Health New Zealand, Ministry of Social Development, and ACC.

“This is 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.”

Mr Brown says this is a practical, common-sense step to ensure continuity of care for New Zealanders who rely on these services every day.

“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,” Mr Brown says.

Note:

• The mileage rates for the National Travel Assistance scheme have also been increased by 30 per cent.
• The Government is reviewing the In Between Travel scheme as part of the broader aged care sector review to ensure it is fit for purpose. This work is underway through the Aged Care Ministerial Advisory Group.

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