Thousands face Motability mileage cut within weeks amid fears drivers will lose vital 'lifeline'

Thousands of disabled drivers across England, Wales and Northern Ireland will soon see their Motability mileage allowance cut in half in just a few weeks, sparking concerns about the impact on work, healthcare and independent living.

Under the new rules, from July 1, the standard annual mileage allowance will fall from 20,000 miles to 10,000 miles, with drivers being charged 25p for every extra mile they exceed the limit.

Scotland has secured a temporary exemption while the Scottish Government continues talks with Motability over the proposed changes.

The Motability Scheme allows disabled people to exchange part of their disability benefits for a leased vehicle.

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Campaigners have now warned that the biggest impact will be felt by people living in rural areas, where public transport options are limited.

One Wheelchair user from Balloch relies on his Motability vehicle to travel to his job at Scotland's national spinal injuries unit, attend medical appointments and compete in wheelchair curling events.

His current three-year lease allows him to drive up to 60,000 miles, a target he expects to reach before the agreement ends next year. If the new rules were applied to him, he estimates he could face around £7,500 in excess mileage charges over three years.

He told the BBC: "If it stays at 10,000 miles, then there's no decision at all. It would be daft for me to continue with Motability. This is my lifeline. If I didn't have this, then I wouldn't have as good a life as I've got."

The changes have triggered a growing backlash, with a petition calling on ministers to stop the reforms attracting more than 61,800 signatures, arguing that it will impact the "most vulnerable in society".

In response, the Department for Work and Pensions shut down calls for the Motability changes to be undone.

A spokesperson said: "The VAT relief for Advanced Payments - a one-off payment made to lease more expensive vehicles, will be removed and Insurance Premium Tax will apply to leases at the standard rate, bringing tax treatment in line with commercial leasing firms.

"These changes will only apply to customers taking out new leases with Motability and will not apply to current leases or to wheelchair accessible vehicles in recognition of the additional costs associated with these vehicles."

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Meanwhile, Dr Caroline Gould, who lives on the Isle of Skye and uses a powered wheelchair, also fears the impact of the new restrictions.

Hospital appointments often require long journeys to Inverness or Glasgow, while visiting her 94-year-old mother involves a return trip of more than 1,200 miles.

"I think people are going to end up not having the life they want to live, not having the independence that they want," she said.

Motability explained that the new rules have been driven by tax changes announced in the Autumn Budget last year, which are expected to add around £300million a year to the cost of running the scheme by the end of the decade.

The organisation said that without action, lease prices could increase by around £1,100 over three years, with new plans expected to be limited to roughly £400 on average.

Motability also said around three quarters of customers currently drive less than 10,000 miles a year and confirmed there will be an exceptions process for a small number of users.

People receiving benefits through Social Security Scotland can still order vehicles with the current 60,000-mile allowance over three years and an excess mileage charge of just 5p per mile.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said the Scottish Government is working to reduce uncertainty and ensure disabled people continue to receive the support they need.

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