Increased Mileage For Support Workers

Home and community support workers play a critical role in delivering essential services to some of Southland’s most vulnerable.

That’s why it’s so positive that the Government will provide a 30 percent increase to support workers mileage rates to help offset rising fuel costs.

Home and community support workers are deeply valued for the meaningful work that they carry out in our communities, and across the country.

Frequent daily travel to provide care in people’s homes is an important part of their role, and that’s why it’s essential that we act quickly to ease the pressure of rising fuel costs, caused by conflict in the Middle East.

From April 2, mileage rates for home and community support workers increased from 63.5 cents to 82.5 cents per kilometre (30 percent), to help offset cost rises.

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.

This 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.

The Government can’t control global fuel prices, but we can make sure workers delivering essential care are supported to keep services running.

This recognises the vital role that support workers play in the South and helps ensure that they can continue delivering quality care to those who need it most.