DHSC breaks down £4m bill

Expenses were essential spending, say bosses

The Department of Health and Social Care has set out detailed information to explain a £4 million expenses bill.

A recent Tynwald question, from Onchan MHK Julie Edge, showed that staff had claimed expenses of £3,955,894 between 2012-2017.

That's more than five times the amount spent by the Department of Education and Children, which had the second highest bill.

The DHSC says 63% of the expense claims - almost £2.5 million - were made up of mileage allowances, paid at the standard government rate.

In a statement, bosses say mileage is paid to any of their 2,500 employees who travel in their own vehicles to work around the Island.

Those on the list include social workers, carers, safeguarding staff, nurses of all kinds, health visitors and therapists.

28% of the bill - around £1.1 million - was paid in expenses relating to training for consultants and other health professionals

Nearly all of this specialist education takes place in the UK.

And whilst the figure may appear high to some, the DHSC says it pays for a 'vital part' of its service delivery.