Niche question - can you help?

[RandomQ]

This is going to be random, and long, so sorry in advance but anyone with any advice please step forward:

I work for the NHS and currently have a lease car through NHS Fleet Solutions. My lease ends in June and I need to order a new car asap (as delivery times are getting longer and longer) but I have a problem....

I am a substantive Band 4 but have been uplifted to a Band 5 to cover some extra work. There may be an opportunity to become a substantive Band 5, but it isn't guaranteed.

Does anyone know what would happen if I order the car as a Band 5, and then get downgraded to a 4? Will the monthly cost be recalculated and go up (if I get a quote as a Band 4 all the cars are out of my price range and only available on a salary deduction as the salary sacrifice option takes my wages below national minimum)

I'm slightly confused, as I was a Band 4 when I ordered my current car, and the price didn't change when I was uplifted to a 5 but I don't want to risk ordering a car and being downgraded and then end up having to give the car back because I can no longer afford it

I've checked with Payroll and I have to order the car on my current banding and they couldn't really tell me what would happen if I got downgraded, neither could NHS Fleet Solutions

If you've made it this far, thanks for reading! Any advice would be much appreciated

The issue will be they have never come across this before. Legally they cannot take your pay below NMW, and so if you downgraded they would have to reduce your monthly deductions and extend the payment period or move you to a salary deduction basis.

Write to HR/payroll and ask the question about reverting to Band 4. Insist on a written response, even if it’s no idea. This will provide you some protection but ultimately you would have to pay the full amount owed.

If you are prepared to take the risk of being moved to salary deductions if you revert to Band 4 then go for it.

I am surprised the rules allow a temporary Band 5 to use salary sacrifice knowing they could be reverted to Band 4.

Thank you so much @BrandyAB

I guess I'm not willing to take the risk, because the difference between the salary sacrifice and the salary deduction is massive! I could end up paying £500+ a month which just isn't affordable

I'm waiting to hear about a permanent 5 in a different department, so I'll just wait and see what comes of that.

I have till the end of May to place an order on a new car, and if it takes x months to come then I just keep my current car

Again, thanks for your advice

Very sensible