Mileage rate rise increases costs for Melksham charity

A Melksham transport charity is facing increased running costs following a rise in the approved mileage rate for volunteer drivers.

The Melksham & District Link Scheme, which relies on volunteers using their own vehicles to take residents to medical appointments, has increased its mileage payments in line with recent government changes. The Approved Mileage Allowance Payment rate has risen from 45p to 55p per mile.

Treasurer Richard Clark said, “This will have a big impact on our running costs each month. This change represents a rise of nearly 20%. Last year Melksham Link travelled 73,722 miles making 2,607 journeys to help residents.”

Chairman Liz Rowley said the service continued to offer good value for clients despite rising costs.

She said, “Our volunteers use their own personal cars, drive from their own homes to collect clients, take them to their appointment, wait and then return the client and themselves home.

“We take people where they need to go but the cost of fuel plus the wear and tear on the vehicles is increasing. Volunteers only get expenses for the miles they travel; they are not paid for their time which they give freely.”

Clients are asked to make a donation towards the cost of their journey. More than half of trips are to the Royal United Hospital in Bath, with a return journey from Melksham now costing the scheme around £18, with Bristol and Swindon hospitals costing Link around £38.

Liz added, “We are not a taxi service with set prices but equally we cannot give trips for free, all trips have a cost. One-way trips or drop offs still cost the same as a return journey because the driver must return home.”

The charity is also appealing for more volunteers to help keep the service running.

Volunteer drivers can choose when and where they drive, and the scheme is particularly keen to hear from people willing to undertake shorter local journeys.

The charity is also looking for volunteer transport coordinators, who work from home for three or more consecutive days a month, matching clients with available drivers. Equipment and training are provided.

One of the current coordinators said, “It can be very busy at times and the phone never stops ringing but it keeps my brain working after my recent retirement. It is also so rewarding to know that I am really helping people who need it and rely on us. I feel a real sense of pride at the end of each shift.”

Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Melksham & District Link Scheme on 07979 129052.

Pictured: Chair, Liz Rowley