Call for Government-funded electric company car scheme for carers

A ‘social’ electric vehicle (EV) leasing scheme for care workers is being called for by climate charity Possible.

It wants a Government-backed scheme for care workers so that they can ditch their petrol or diesel cars and switch to a zero-emission vehicle, helping to cut emissions and costs.

The UK’s 900,000 home care workers account for an estimated 4 million miles driven every day, or 1.5 billion miles a year, significantly contributing to the UK’s overall emissions.

In rural and semi-rural areas, essential caring work cannot be realistically done without a car, says the charity.

Furthermore, many care workers are shouldering the financial burden of car ownership because they have no other choice and these high running costs are contributing to pushing more and more care workers out of the sector, at a time when recruitment and retention is more important than ever.

A new report, published today (Tuesday, April 2) by Possible in partnership with the Care Workers Charity and New Automotive, explores the needs of these workers, and policy solutions which will cut costs while cutting carbon.

It finds that many care workers are spending at least £100 per month on fuel, with some spending up to £150 or more.

However, it suggests that care workers leasing an average efficiency electric car, able to charge their car at home during off-peak hours, could save £524 per year on fuel costs for work alone, and up to £997 across all of their driving.

Possible and its partners, the Care Workers Charity and New Automotive, believe that a Government-backed social leasing scheme targeted at care workers would not only support a significant reduction in transport emissions for care workers and the UK overall, but also reduce transport costs for workers and support retention in the social care workforce.

Izzy Romilly, sustainable transport campaign manager at Possible, said: “With a Government-backed social leasing scheme, care workers would be able to avoid debt and reduce their travel costs while helping to cut emissions and caring for the most vulnerable people in the country.

“This is no-brainer climate policy, putting electric vehicles into the parts of society where they are most needed. We can cut carbon while putting more money in the pockets of the people doing some of the world’s most important work.”

The Government, says the report, could act as a guarantor for the people leasing the cars, reducing the risk to the lender and therefore decreasing the cost or interest rate of the loan.

Schemes like this have already been introduced in France, where low-income, high-mileage workers could lease an EV for €100 per month, covering the cost of the car as well as insurance and maintenance.

Karolina Gerlich, CEO of the Care Workers Charity, said: “For countless care workers, particularly those in rural areas, having a reliable vehicle is vital for getting to work.

“Understanding the significant benefits that more reliable, affordable, and eco-friendly vehicles could bring to carers, their employers, and people drawing on social care, we eagerly welcome a scheme that not only supports care workers financially but also contributes to a greener future for generations to come.”

Ben Nelmes, chief executive of New AutoMotive, explained that a third of all emissions in the UK come from transport so the transition to EVs is crucial for the UK’s ability to hit their goal of being carbon neutral by 2050.

“This report highlights an important part of the transition to electrified transport and offers policy makers a solution for making the transition more accessible and equitable, targeting those who use their vehicles the most,” he added.