SCC Frequently Asked Questions

  • You need to be working in a front line role where you are doing at least 3000 business miles per financial year. You need to be able to demonstrate that you meet this criteria by showing that you already do this through past claims or your manager can verify that you expect to be undertaking at least this level of mileage for business purposes for the period of the lease. This does not include your commute to your normal place of work.
  • There is no restriction, but you are encouraged wherever possible to consider a low emission electric or hybrid vehicle. This will support the Council’s climate change commitments and in doing so, you will benefit from the reduction in car benefit tax rates that will be introduced from April 2020. See also point 16 relating to higher emission cars and this link for consideration if choosing between petrol and diesel - https://somersetairquality.info/travel-choices3/buying-a-car/
  • Yes, all relevant incentives have been included within the quote.
  • If you expect to travel at least 3,000 business miles per year for the next 3 years, please follow the steps below:
  • a) Read the Scheme details, Terms and conditions and speak to your linemanager.
  • b) Access the Knowles website: www.knowlesfleet.com to create a useraccount (Lease Car Login) and complete basic information.
  • c) Request quotes by keying in details regarding your business and private mileage. You will see the quotes to review.
  • d) Once you have made your decision and submitted it, this will be sent to your Line Manager/Strategic Manager for approval.
  • e) HR Admin and Payroll has final approval. A check is made to confirm your eligibility.
  • f) Upon successful approval from all of the above, Knowles will commence the provision of your lease car (you will be made aware of the likely delivery period) and HR Admin and Payroll will be notified to enable them to make salary deductions.
  • g) If your application is declined, you will continue to be entitled to claim the standard Council mileage rate.
  • You can use your private car and claim business mileage in accordance with the SCC Travel and Subsistence Policy (http://extranet.somerset.gov.uk/hr/allowances-expenses-and-travel/traveland-sutravel-and-subsistencebsistence/)
  • You can purchase a car using the Salary Sacrifice Scheme http://extranet.somerset.gov.uk/my-staff-shop/
  • The costs of the lease are shared between the employee and SCC based on the anticipated and actual business and personal mileage. The costs are estimated through the supplier ordering site and the quotation will show the initial allocation of costs. This will be subject to change through the term of the lease if mileage, and the proportion of personal and business miles is not in line with the original expectations.
  • Yes, provided you have supplied their details to the scheme provider to arrange the appropriate insurance. They are only able to use the vehicle for their personal/leisure use. Business use is not permitted.
  • Please see the scheme Providers Information on the Home page of their website.
  • This scheme allows you to have a new car and share the costs with SCC. It is for you to decide whether this is a cost-effective option for you.
  • Business mileage will be reimbursed at published lease rates. The current rate of reimbursement is as below;
  • Engine Size Pence per mile
    SCC Lease up to 999cc 9.406
    SCC Lease 1000-1199cc 10.366
    SCC Lease 1200+cc 11.288
  • Yes you can. You will need to provide an estimate of the personal mileage that you will undertake. This estimate will be used to calculate your part of the lease cost along with additional elements such as insuring your spouse or partner
  • This scheme is subject to the standard parking rules at your place of work.
  • There are a range of cars available. You will be able to access a quote system that will help you choose a car that is suitable for your needs and budget.
  • This is not a salary sacrifice scheme so will not have any impact on your pension or other employee benefits.
  • Arrangements will be made for your part of the monthly lease payment to be taken from your net salary
  • If you leave SCC voluntarily, you will be liable for the full early termination costs of the vehicle. This would be 5 months of lease payments in year 1, 3 months lease payments in year 2 and 1 month’s lease payment in year 3. If you leave SCC for other reasons such as compulsory redundancy or illness there will be a conversation with you about early termination costs. In all cases we will try to reallocate the car first.
  • The monthly lease is based on reasonable wear and tear. The vehicles will be subject to regular inspections and any damage or wear and tear not deemed reasonable for the age and mileage of the vehicle will be paid by the employee. If mileage exceeds the anticipated level then the monthly costs may be adjusted or a final additional payment may be due.
  • The Council has a responsibility to ensure that the impact of the lease cars on the environment is managed. If choosing an electric or hybrid vehicle is not a viable option, any vehicles with CO2 emissions of over 119 grams per kilometre will incur a financial levy from Somerset County Council of £60 (one off charge). This levy will be used to contribute to offsetting the vehicles’ carbon footprint by making a donation to the Woodland Trust for planting trees in Somerset, however individuals would be encouraged to choose a low emitting alternative wherever possible.
  • You may decide to retain the vehicle. If your mileage changes then the proportion of the costs you pay may need to be adjusted. Alternatively, you may early terminate the lease but you will be charged any associated costs.
  • At the end of the lease the car will be returned to the lease company. They will inspect the vehicle and advise on any additional costs due to excess mileage or wear and tear that is considered to be above the reasonable levels. You may then apply for another vehicle though any scheme in place at that time, or may decide to revert to your own vehicle and claim business mileage expenses in line with the SCC travel and subsistence policy.
  • For further information: Please refer to information on the SCC HR Staff Benefits pages, access to the Scheme Providers site is via MYStaffShop – New Car Lease Scheme