Council workers in Midlothian will be given a 35 per cent increase in fuel allowance to bring them into line with NHS staff.
Midlothian Council this week agreed to introduce a temporary increase in mileage payments from 45p a mile to 61p for the first 3,500 miles claimed annually and backdate it to April.
The decision came after health bosses revealed carers in the county were being forced to ditch their cars and walk to appointments because of the cost of fuel.