The PCT's change of policy came after Mr Baker raised his concerns about the sum on behalf of a constituent. Following his intervention, they agreed to review the amount paid and have decided to increase the AMAP to 40p, the highest amount possible without it being liable for taxation.

Mr Baker said, "I welcome this considered response from the PCT. Volunteer drivers provide an invaluable service, such as transporting patients to hospital check-ups, and with the current cost of petrol, more and more are having to dip into their own pockets and essentially having to pay to do a good deed. Voluntary work should be actively encouraged, not stifled."

While welcoming the news, the MP has also criticised the government for not increasing the tax threshold for AMAP.

He said, "This is the maximum amount that the PCT can provide without the recipient having to pay tax but 40p does not completely cover the costs incurred. It is therefore now down to the government to practice what they preach about the importance of volunteers and raise the tax threshold to allow higher sums to be paid. I have already written to the government to request an increase to the tax threshold and Kitty Ussher MP, the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, has assured me that she will keep this matter under review."