HM Revenue & Customs has published new advisory fuel rates, which apply to all relevant journeys made on or after 1 December 2010, but for one month from the date of change, employers may choose to use the previous rates or the new current rates.

The advisory fuel rates are accepted either for employers reimbursing employees for the cost of fuel for business mileage, or for employees reimbursing employers for the cost of fuel for private mileage. The rates are usually revised twice a year, although HMRC said it will also consider making changes if fuel prices fluctuate by 5% from the published rates.

Employers are not obliged to reimburse their employees at the advisory rates, as long as any alternative rates can be justified, for example using a higher rate per mile where an employee uses a four-wheel drive vehicle in the performances of his or her duties.

The new rates can be viewed at: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/cars/advisory_fuel_current.htm