To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 1467/22-27, to detail what feedback he has had from the domiciliary care sector regarding the recent increase in secondary rate mileage.

Whilst there has been no formal feedback received to date, I am aware that increased fuel costs remain a concern across the region.

Staff may access the secondary rate once they have exceeded the 3,500 mile threshold, which will not be the case for all domiciliary care workers. I have been advised that this secondary rate has been welcomed and gone some way in stabilising services.

With the lack of a current Executive budget, any decision I make to commit further funding is at risk. I fully appreciate that staff employed within HSC may feel that all mileage allowances should be increased, however I took the decision to target an intervention at those who travel the most frequently and who are often the lowest paid.

As you are aware, these mileage rates do not apply to staff employed in the independent sector, where mileage rates are set at individual providers’ discretion. Trusts are in regular contact with representatives from Domiciliary Care Independent Sector Providers, where providers have the opportunity to highlight pressures on service delivery.

Independent sector providers continue to raise the impact that fuel costs are having on the ability to maintain existing staffing levels, as well on the recruitment of additional staff to the workforce.

I recognise that the domiciliary care sector continues to face significant difficulties. My officials continue to engage with Trusts and the sector on ongoing challenges, including those arising from travel and the cost of living. However, given the financial pressures and budgetary uncertainty, there is limited room for manoeuvre in terms of additional funding