Motability changes launching within weeks will see thousands of drivers hit with 'extra costs'

The Scottish Government has been urged to ensure sweeping Motability changes do not unfairly impact thousands of drivers just weeks before new rules are introduced.

From September 1, new Motability changes will be rolled out in Scotland, having originally been announced by former Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

Speaking during the 2025 Autumn Budget, the Labour MP for Leeds West and Pudsey said an overhaul of the scheme was necessary to remove certain tax breaks.

The changes, which will raise more than £1billion over the next five years, aimed to remove subsidies "beyond the scheme's core objectives", including the leasing of luxury cars.

These measures were introduced for drivers in England, Northern Ireland and Wales in July, but have been delayed in Scotland.

The Motability Scheme in Scotland operates differently from the rest of the UK, through a separate agreement called the Accessible Vehicles and Equipment Scheme (AVES).

Motorists who receive their allowance from Social Security Scotland will see new lease terms apply from next month.

Headline changes to the Scheme include reducing mileage limits from 60,000 to 30,000 miles for three-year leases, and from 100,000 to 50,000 miles for five-year wheelchair accessible vehicle leases.

The number of tyre replacements will also drop from eight to six for regular lease packages, in addition to a £22 admin fee when taking vehicles abroad.

Excess mileage fees will rise from 5p (plus standard rate VAT) to 25p, although wheelchair accessible vehicle leases may avoid paying VAT if they qualify for relief.

The changes will not affect existing leases, with the Motability Scheme noting that motorists with higher mileage needs may be able to receive help.

Planned changes have been criticised by politicians in Scotland, including David Green, who warned of the impact on people's independence.

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The Liberal Democrat MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross said disabled people should not be penalised because they live in a rural area.

He said: "Life in the Highlands means people have to travel much further to get to hospital appointments, work or everyday services."

Mr Green and Jamie Stone, the Lib Dem MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, have written to the Scottish Government to help drivers adapt to the new changes.

Mr Stone said: "For many Highlanders, travelling long distances isn't a choice - it's part of everyday life.

"These changes could leave people facing extra costs simply because they live in a remote area.

"We want the Scottish Government to look again at the impact on rural communities and make sure disabled people can continue to travel without being unfairly disadvantaged."

Social Security Scotland issues allowances for Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance (SADLA), Adult Disability Payment (ADP) and Child Disability Payment (CDP).