Fast Stream Trials 2008
Claims for Travel Expenses - Terms and Conditions
Summary- travel should be by the most economical method
- you must attach original receipts for all expenses you claim
- only claims that comply with the terms set out below will be paid
- if you need to incur expenses that do not comply with the terms, you must get approval from the Cabinet Office before you incur them
- you have a maximum of 30 days from the date of the trial to submit your claim
- it will take about 6 weeks for your claim to be paid
1.Travel
You may claim the amount of your actual travelling expenses from the place where you normally live, work or study to the location of the trial. Your journey should be by the mosteconomical method of travel. We do not pay for candidates to travel from abroad to attend the trials.
Train and Tube
A standard class fare (or cheaper) only is payable. You should take advantage of any available cheap fares.To claim your costs you must provide receipts that state the date of travel, the place of departure and destination, and the cost.
If you have a weekly, monthly or yearly travel card covering this journey we will not refund you for this particular trip.
Air
Air fares will be refunded only where they are cheaper than the cost of travelling by a surface route, including overnight expenses where necessary.
Taxi
Taxi fares will not be refunded. If the use of a taxi is required as it is the cheapest or only option available, you must get approval from the Cabinet Office before you use it. Failure to do so could result in the cost not being reimbursed.
Private Car
You will be refunded at a rate of 26p per mile.
2.Accommodation
Overnight accommodation will only be paid for if an overnight stay is either:
- necessary because there is no transportation that will enable you to arrive for the trial on time, or
- the cost of travel is significantly cheaper by not travelling on the day of the trial.
If an overnight stay is unavoidable, you will be refunded any actual expenses subject to the following maxima:
- up to £120for a hotel room, evening meal and breakfast
- staying with friends or relatives, you may claim a flat rate sum of £25, to cover accommodation and food.
If you stay with friends or relatives you will need to, for audit purposes, provide their full address when completing the claim form.
3.Food
We do not reimburse the cost of food and refreshments. If the trial is for a full day, lunch will be provided.
We will only reimburse the cost of food if it is associated with an overnight stay in a hotel. To claim the cost of food you must provide itemised receipts that provide the detail of what you purchased. We will not reimburse the cost of alcohol. The costs must be within the maximum of £120 for accommodation and meals (see above).
4.Tax
Tax is not paid on the money you receive for attending a trial and the expenses you claim. This is because it is not classed as a fee by Inland Revenue.
5.Completing the form
You will be given at the trial a form to complete to claim your attendance fee and travel expenses. In completing the form please:
- write clearly, providing all details asked for, including your full address and postcode, your NI number and bank account number
- sign and date section 2
- attach detailed receipts that support your claim
- postthe claim form and receipts to the address on the bottom of page 1 of the form.
6.Other
We reserve the right to refuse to pay a claim that does not comply with these terms.We will carry out audit checks on all claims.Please allow up to 6 weeks for payment to be made.Payment will be made to your bank account.
If you feel that you need to incur costs that do not comply with these terms, please contact the Cabinet Office at get approval before you incur these costs. Failure to do so could result in the costs not being reimbursed.
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