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GENERAL

The relocation and removals expenses set out in this document are available to all candidates for established posts. The benefits will not normally apply to temporary appointments or to fixed term contracts of less than two years.

Recruitment expenses are not payable to a second appointee, i.e. an employee whose spouse or 'co-habitee' has already obtained employment in the area or where financial assistance has been obtained from another source.

The Head of Personnel and Training Services, in consultation with the appropriate Head of Service, is authorised to approve applications beyond the maximum allowance in extenuating circumstances. In all cases proof of expenditure is required before payments are made.

REMOVALS INCENTIVES

The incentives available are as follows:

a) Removal expenses
b) Storage expenses
c) Disturbance allowance
d) Legal and other fees connected with sale and/or purchase of residence
e) Lodging allowance

QUALIFICATION

To qualify for the above incentives, the newly recruited officer must be moving from owner occupied or unfurnished rented accommodation to owner occupied or unfurnished rented accommodation. The officer must be moving to a property within the Hambleton District area or within 20 miles of their normal place of work. Expenses will not be paid to applicants who already live within 20 miles of their new place of work.

The move must take place, including the completion of the purchase of a new home, within one year of taking up their appointment with the Council. This time limit can be extended in extenuating circumstances by the Head of Personnel, in consultation with the appropriate Head of Service.


REMOVAL EXPENSES

Costs are not reimbursable when only personal effects are moved.

An officer will be reimbursed the cost of removal of furniture and effects (to include insurance of goods in transit) from his/her old home to a new home.

The amount reimbursed will be the lower of two competitive quotations.


STORAGE EXPENSES

The Council will reimburse any necessary cost of storing and insuring furniture and effects where the new home is not available immediately.

The payment of storage expenses will be limited to the period during which such storage is required, but not in any event exceeding six months.


DISTURBANCE ALLOWANCE

The officer will be entitled to a lump sum disturbance allowance of 595 payable once removal has been effected. This is to cover the incidental costs incurred when moving in to a new home. Disturbance allowance will normally be paid when the applicant has moved either to owner occupied property or rental accommodation not furnished by the owner. The officer should bear in mind the repayment rules if they cease to be employed by the Council. In particular, officers moving into rented accommodation may see no return on money spent on new fixtures and fittings.


SALE AND/OR PURCHASE OF RESIDENCE - LEGAL AND OTHER FEES AND DISBURSEMENTS

Where an officer is entitled to be paid removal expenses, the officer will also be entitled to payment of reasonable legal and other fees and disbursements applicable to the disposal and/or acquisition of a private residence subject to a maximum of 3,265. This maximum will not include costs that have been incurred where a sale falls through but will include the cost of a premium paid to insure against this eventuality.


OTHER EXPENSES

In addition to those incentives detailed above, payments may be made in connection with lodging and travelling expenses.

a) LODGING ALLOWANCE

b) TRAVELLING EXPENSES

MAXIMUM BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES OF SCHEME

The benefits and allowances of the Relocation and Removals Expenses scheme are subject to an overall maximum amount of 6,000 (to be reviewed every three years) for each qualifying post holder, including any lodging allowance and travelling expenses.


REPAYMENTS

Officers in receipt of any or all of the benefits referred to in this scheme shall be required to repay a proportionate part of such benefits in the following circumstances:

APPLICATION FOR INCENTIVE PAYMENTS

Eligible employees should complete the 'Application for Relocation and Removals Expenses Payment' form (see Annex A). This should be signed by the employee to show that they are aware of the requirements for repayment. It should also be signed by the relevant Head of Service to show that the terms have been explained and the application has been approved. The form will then be held on the employee's personal file.

An expenditure form should be completed and signed by an authorised signatory. This should be presented to Payroll along with receipts for proof of payment. The expenses will be credited directly to the employee's bank account.