Recruitment policy - relocation scheme

A generous relocation package is payable. If you’re eligible we’ll discuss the details with you at interview stage:

Relocation from within the UK

Removal cost*

The full cost of the transportation of belongings within the UK (based on lowest of 3 quotes).

Fees or Mortgage/Rent Subsidy Payments

(only one of these elements of the scheme are payable) 

Fees related to the selling and/or purchase of a property up to a maximum of £6,533 (e.g. legal fees, stamp duty, estate agents commission, land registry fees, searches and surveys)

Or

Mortgage/Rent Subsidy Payments

As an alternative to claiming fees, those individuals relocating from an area where house prices/rental rates are generally lower can choose to receive Mortgage/Rent subsidy for a 2-year period (instead of claiming fees). Payments will be subject to Tax and NI deductions and treated as pensionable:

• Year 1 - £250 per month
• Year 2 - £150 per month

The total payable of over the 2-year period is £4,800.

Disturbance allowance*

A disturbance allowance of up to £935 is claimable in respect of reasonable disturbance and/or settling in expenses from moving house.

Separation/ two homes allowance* 

(not applicable to overseas employees)

A maximum of £97 per week is claimable for a period not exceeding 6 months (this can be extended in exceptional circumstances).

Return visits to family*

(not applicable to overseas employees)

Travel costs paid at a petrol reimbursement rate of 12p per mile, for a period not exceeding 6 months.

Search for new accommodation*

(not applicable to overseas employees)

One or two days’ leave can be granted (as required/appropriate), plus one return journey, subsistence and one overnight stay (up to the maximum amounts payable for subsistence) for the officer and spouse (and children up to 16 years of age if necessary).

*HM Revenue & Customs qualifying relocation rules apply to these payments in respect of the application of tax and NI deductions.

Relocation from Outside the UK as a result of an overseas recruitment campaign

To be eligible to claim overseas relocation expenses, employees must be appointed into a permanent role which has been deemed to fall into the ‘hard to recruit’ category and which has been offered specifically as a result of an overseas recruitment campaign. Other candidates relocating from overseas will not be eligible.

Employees relocating to Dorset Council from outside the UK as a result of an overseas recruitment campaign to a ‘hard to recruit role’ may claim assistance with the following expenses.

Flights

Cost of one economy journey (including the employee’s spouse, civil partner and children) to the UK from the country in which the employee was resident immediately prior to employment with Dorset Council and will not attract NI or tax liabilities.

Costs of flights can be made by the employing service outside payroll

Visa

Visa costs, including one-off payments for the Immigration Skills surcharge, and the NHS Health Surcharge, can be paid on behalf of the employee by Dorset Council and will not attract NI or tax liabilities.

Visa and surcharge costs can be made by the employing service outside payroll.

Rental Accommodation Deposit

Dorset Council will provide financial assistance for the deposit to secure rental accommodation, including, where appropriate, an initial one month’s rent in advance, up to the value of £1,500 (for both deposit and one month’s advance).  Any payment made as deposit for rental accommodation is classed as earnings and attracts tax, NI and pension deductions.  

A rental deposit payment can be made by the employing service on behalf of the employee direct to the provider but any such payments must be notified to HR.  

Where payment is made direct to the provider, the employee’s tax liability will be accounted through a P11D submission and a tax code change in the following tax year.  Pension and NI liabilities will be adjusted through payroll.  If a reimbursement is made via payroll, the tax, NI and pension deductions are made at source.

Support to Purchase a Vehicle

Where the job role requires the employee to travel in order to effectively carry out their duties, Dorset Council will provide financial assistance up to the value of £2,000 to support the purchase of a vehicle.  The employee is responsible for tax, insurance, MOT and maintenance which is not covered within this provision.  Any payment made as support to purchase a vehicle is classed as earnings and attracts tax, and NI deductions.  

A payment can be made by the employing service on behalf of the employee direct to the provider but any such payments must be notified to HR.

Where payment is made direct to the provider, the tax liability will be accounted through a P11D submission and a tax code change in the following tax year.  NI liabilities will be adjusted through payroll.  If a reimbursement is made via payroll, the PAYE deductions are made at source.

Reimbursement Method & Advance Payments

Any relocation expenses claimed should be evidenced by the submission of appropriate receipts.  It is the responsibility of the appointing manager or lead officer to ensure that all payments are made in accordance with the policy and for ensuring completion of the ‘Approval for Relocation Expenses’ form.

Payments or reimbursements via payroll cannot be made until after the employee has commenced employment with Dorset Council and must be made via completion of the appropriate approved claim form.

To assist with immediate costs incurred in moving, an advance of up to £2,500 out of the expenses claimable under the scheme can be agreed by the appointing manager. The 'advance' must be accounted for by the production of receipts for expenses claimable under the scheme.