Expenses claimable when starting a VTS

When starting a VTS, if you have to move house (i.e. your new job is in a different area), there are certain expenses that you can claim.  These are covered briefly here, you can download the full guidance document here or at the bottom of the page.  You should contact the Local Health Board (Wales) or Health Authority (England) to approve any large expenses before committing, and make sure you keep all receipts to claim back your money.  You may have to satisfy the HA that your house move is necessary.

So what can you claim?

Actual removal expenses.  This includes the cost of moving your furniture and effects, and includes the cost of storing furniture during the move if necessary.  This includes ordinary household items such as bicycles, computers etc., but not items requiring specialist removal like your grand piano!  Removal of domestic pets are included, but not livestock (so you can't relocate your whole farm, sheep intact!).  These costs can be upwards of a thousand pounds, and the HA will want three different quotes.  You do not have to accept the lowest quote, but you will only be reimbursed this amount (so if you wish to take a more expensive service, you pay the difference).

Costs of searching for accommodation

You can claim the cost of traveling to the new area to look for suitable housing.  One return journey and upto four nights accommodation and subsistence can be reimbursed.  This is paid at the same rate as when on study leave - about £75 per day maximum including accommodation.

Legal and estate agent fees

If you purchase a house in the new area, and it is your first permanent unfurnished accommodation there, or if you sell a house immediately prior to the move, you can claim the following fees:

• solicitor's fees
• stamp duty
• land registration fees
• incidental legal expenses
• expenses in connection with a mortgage or loan, including guarantee and survey fees
• legal expenses incurred in mortgage redemption, and house agents' or auctioneers' Fees
• costs of a private survey
• electrical wiring test
• a drains test

Tenancy

If you rent furnished accommodation in the new area, you can claim the costs of a tenancy agreement, estate agents fees for referencing, and the cost of a drains test.  These expenses are not reimbursed to registrars who move into rented lodgings (a room in an house or flat).

Miscellaneous expenses grant

This covers some of the costs of moving into a new permanent accommodation, and include:

• installing a television aerial
• plumbing in a washing machine/dishwasher
• connection of cooker
• alteration of curtains and pelmets
• cleaning of property
• reasonable telephone calls made in the course of seeking accommodation

Travel allowance

One single journey from the old residence to the new area is covered, and one further return journey if you have to return to supervise the removal of your effects.  You should also be able to claim travel expenses for your interview.

There are many more allowances, and you can download the full guidance here. (from Department of Health website).

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