Call for Clarity On Motability Car Scheme

Motability Car Scheme

SNP MP Corri Wilson has called on the UK Government to clarify whether a mobility car scheme for people with disabilities is to be extended after a Department for Work and Pensions Minister announced the move during a Westminster debate but has since left claimants waiting weeks for more information.

During a debate on Employment Support Allowance and Personal Independence Payment in November last year - benefits designed to help those who cannot work because of a disability or long-term health condition - Minister for Disability, Work and Health, Penny Mordaunt, indicated that eligibility for the Motability Car Scheme would be extended to more disabled people, such as those on the standard mobility rate of PIP.

Currently neither DLA nor PIP claimants are required to hand back their vehicles to Motability as recent DWP changes to eligibility criteria means that only people eligible for enhanced rate of mobility support are allowed to keep their vehicle.

Corri Wilson MP, the SNP’s spokesperson for Disabilities, said:

“At this time of year it is often difficult for many people to get around but for disabled people it is a year-round struggle and it is important we do everything possible to help them live independent lives.

“Extending the eligibility for joining Motability to include more disabled people is a hugely welcome move but we urgently need more clarity from the Department for Work and Pensions on this apparent announcement.  Penny Mordaunt also said that the DWP were exploring ways of allowing people to keep their vehicles pending appeal against an eligibility decision.

“The Minister went on to say that discussions had taken place with Motability but we’ve had no Ministerial statements, no further announcements and no clarity whatsoever on whether these proposals will actually be introduced.

“People with mobility issues should have access to the Motability scheme and every avenue should be explored to protect the independence of people who have more limited capabilities.  A specially adapted vehicle can often be the only means of transport available to a disabled person and removing that creates further barriers to work.

“I warmly welcome the direction that the Department for Work and Pensions appears to be going in and I hope the Minister will now provide the detail that disabled people need to continue to live their daily lives.”

Extract of Penny Mordaunt’s speech:

“I briefly turn to Motability, which the hon. Members for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock (Corri Wilson) and for North Ayrshire and Arran (Patricia Gibson) particularly focused on. Members will know that a scheme has been set out—I am very grateful to Motability for doing that—to try to help with the transition from DLA to PIP. It is a challenging time for individuals. That scheme is the £175 million package that Members will be familiar with, which enables individuals to keep their car for seven weeks, allows them to buy back their old vehicle and offers a one-off payment of £2,000 to help to meet their continuing Motability needs. Motability is also helping to pay for new adaptions to non-scheme cars, with insurance thrown in. We are aware of how difficult it is—despite that mitigation and the other sources of transport subsidy that might be available—for an individual to be told that they will lose their vehicle with only a few weeks to make alternative arrangements.
 
“There are other problems too. I want to outline one that is of particular concern to me. It relates to people leaving the country for extended periods longer than 13 weeks. That is a problem for students, but it is also a problem for someone who might want to take up a career opportunity, a sabbatical or other opportunities that require travel. Our systems must be able to support someone following their dreams and ambitions. They must enable a person to thrive, so this situation should not be left to stand. We have been discussing with relevant Departments ways to enable PIP claimants to keep their vehicle pending appeal, and we are exploring options to allow those who are not in receipt of the higher Motability component to have access to the Motability scheme. I am also exploring how claimants who are out of the country for extended periods can be better supported. We have a plan and the Treasury’s blessing. This week I have written to Motability to ask for its help in delivering that plan. I anticipate that the plan will require some changes to its processes, but I know that it will do all it can to help us in this matter, as it has in the past. We have a remarkable and unique partnership with Motability, and I hope in my tenure to maximise that.”


Text of letter to Penny Mordaunt,
 
Dear Minister,
 
Motability Car Scheme for Disabled People
 
I write in relation to your remarks in last week’s Westminster Hall debate on Employment Support allowance and Personal Independence Payment.
 
Your announcements during the debate seemed to state that you plan to extend the eligibility to join Motability to more disabled people, such as those on the standard mobility rate of PIP.
 
This would be a welcome move, as currently DLA or PIP claimants have to hand their vehicles back to Motability if they lose their eligibility for the enhanced rate of mobility support after assessment. I note that you also said you are exploring ways people can keep their vehicle pending appeal.
 
I note, you also mentioned that you have raised this with Motability. In order to fully ascertain the direction of the Department, I would be grateful if the Minister could outline the detail of these discussions and the response from Motability.
 
It will come as no surprise to the Minister, that the SNP are clear that people with mobility issues should have access to the Motability scheme and every option should be explored to protect the independence of those with more limited capabilities.
 
Therefore, I would be grateful, if you could outline in detail how your Department plans to proceed.
 
Yours sincerely,
 
Corri Wilson MP