Step 2 – get your fuel consumption factor right
When compiling the fuel consumption factor section of the BSOG claim form, ask yourself the following questions:
1. Fuel – have you captured it all?
Missing fuel has a huge impact on the value of the BSOG claim. From unprocessed fuel sheets, data loss from electronic fuel systems and faulty pumps, you need to make sure that all fuel issued on-site has been recorded. There may also be the odd occasion during the year that vehicles have fuelled off-site – again, have you captured it?
Tip – basic house-keeping checks such as reconciling the recorded issues to the pump meter movement and stock, will help you to identify where fuel has been omitted. A listing from your accounts system of all external fuel purchases will help to establish those instances of fuelling away from base. We also suggest that once a year you have your pumps checked by an independent engineer to ensure they are correctly calibrated.
2. Vehicle Kilometres – when did you last check your equipment?
Whether you’re using cab-odometers, hub-odometers or electronic on-board devices, accurate vehicle mileage is essential not only for your BSOG claim, but also for tyre leasing charges and monitoring your fleet’s fuel consumption rates.
Tip – where vehicles are reporting anomalous MPGs check your mileage equipment:
- Cab-odometers – confirm the unit of measurement; being aware that on many new vehicles drivers can change the unit between miles and kilometres. Those processing fuel and mileage data through VFM should consider this as a possible explanation when investigating significant changes in odometer movement.
- Hub-odometers – check the correct model is fitted based on the tyre size of the vehicle. We have previously identified a complete batch of vehicles that had the wrong hub-odometers due to the fitment of low-profile tyres.
- On-board devices – compare the elapsed cab-odometer movement to the mileage reported by the OBD to identify those vehicles that need to be recalibrated.
3. Are the correct vehicles included?
Many operators believe that when compiling the total vehicle kilometres and fuel issues for the claim form, they must include all the local service PSVs.
However, since the devolution of BSOG on tendered services to Local Authorities back in 2013, operators are now asked to base their fuel consumption figures on those vehicles that operate predominantly on commercial services.
As vehicles operating on tendered services are usually smaller more fuel-efficient vehicles, operating at non-peak times in less congested areas, their removal tends to improve the value of the BSOG claim. By following the DfT guidance, an operator’s claim was recently increased by £84k.
Tip – review your fleet and only include those vehicles in your claim that have predominantly operated mileage on commercial services during the claim year.
Take the hassle out of claiming
For a free consultation on assisting you with your BSOG claim, get in touch with our expert Matthew Hanlon by completing the online form or call 01527 556940.