VAT on Travel and Subsistence expenses

I have a limited company and we are doing some work with a public sector organisation. Our contract allows us to claim travel and subsistence expenses at the current civil service rates. When I invoice the customer, should I charge VAT on these expenses? I asked my accountant and he said he wasn't quite sure but I should err on the side of caution and charge it. I have searched the forum and the replies are ambiguous. Can anyone advise please?

Thanks!

Just to answer my own question in case it helps anyone in future, I've been charging the customer VAT on expenses and so far they haven't objected. Presumably they are VAT-registered and claiming it back anyway.