I live in Scotland, commuting every week during the school year to teach at a sixth form college in London. Does the Inland Revenue make any provision for such circumstances, such as allowances for travel and accommodation expenses?

A: Generally, the Revenue does not allow employees to claim for travel between home and place of work. It does not matter what method of travel you use.

If you are not required to live-in as a part of the employment, then accommodation costs do not normally attract any relief either. You will have to continue paying the costs of commuting until you can find a post nearer home or afford a property near where you work. The good news is that, should you move, reasonablerelocation expenses are usually tax deductible. However, this only applies when you start a new job and your employer pays an extra allowance to help you move.

If you have a question for John Howson, please email karen.thornton@tes.co.uk