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FOI - Car mileage allowances [APR 2026]

Key information

Request reference number: MGLA160326-6164

Date of response:

Summary of request

This is a Freedom of Information request relating to mileage allowances.

Please could you provide me with the following information for each of the previous two financial years as well as the current year (2023-24, 2024-25 & 2025-26):

  1. Current Policy & Rates: A copy of, or link to, the council's current policy regarding staff mileage claims. Please confirm the standard rate(s) paid per mile for cars and vans (e.g., the HMRC approved rate of 45p per mile).
  2. Total Expenditure & Miles: The total amount of money spent by the council on reimbursing staff for business mileage claims during the specified financial year, and the total number of miles this expenditure represents.
  3. Expenditure: The total spent by the council on reimbursing business miles. If multiple rates are used, if possible please provide a breakdown by reimbursement at each rate.
  4. Number of Claimants: The total number of individual staff members who made one or more business mileage claims during the specified financial year.

Response:

The GLA is London's strategic government and does not operate in the same way as London’s Borough Councils, including the City of London. If you want information from councils, you can find their details at https://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/london-directory

2.11 If you are using your private vehicle rather than a taxi, you will be reimbursed as per the rates determined by HMRC. You must have and provide proof of business insurance – which you, not the GLA, are responsible for – and secure prior approval to use your own vehicle. The rules at paragraph 2.9 apply, noting you may not claim expenses for home to work journeys.

Mileage

• As per HMRC rates.

• Journey must be agreed in advance with an authorising officer.

• When using your personal car, you must have and provide proof of business insurance, which is your responsibility, and secure prior approval from Financial Services.

• Cars must only be used where it is essential; e.g. carrying heavy files, there is no public transport or it is more costly.

The information we hold about the total expenditure on reimbursements, miles, number of claimants is copied below: 

Year Number of claimants Miles Total expenditure £
2023-2024 4 638 287.10
2024-2025 7 1137 511.65
2025-2026 4 342 153.90

 

 

 

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