Responding to the proposed changes to Motability's accessible
vehicle scheme, due to take effect in Scotland from 1
September for new and renewing lease customers, Cabinet
Secretary for Social Justice and Housing said:
The UK Government imposed a punitive tax change Motability
scheme and we understand this has been a concerning time for
disabled people.
The Scottish Government has been working hard with Motability to
bring in exceptions to some of the changes the UK
Government's decision led to, protecting people from large
price hikes.
As a result of this joint work, Motability will provide support
to customers living in rural and island communities, as well as
to customers who can demonstrate the need for increased mileage
to allow for essential travel such as medical appointments,
specialist education and employment.
Importantly, this support will benefit disabled people right
across the UK, not just in Scotland, and we are grateful to
Motability for their cooperation.
We will continue to press the UK Government to immediately
reverse its decision and to follow our lead by standing up for
disabled people.
Background
Motability Scheme changes |
Motability Scheme
Information on rural support
Motability's proposed exceptions process will enable customers
who know they will exceed the 10,000 annual inclusive mileage
limit, or may exceed this, to request support with their
additional mileage needs at any point in their lease, including
before applying.
A customer may be eligible for additional mileage support
where they need to use more than 3,000 of their annual
mileage for essential' journeys.
Essential journeys will be considered as those made for medical
reasons, to attend specialist education, or for employment.
Motability has also developed a rural and island isolation
postcode exception to support customers who live in very rural or
island communities, following Scottish Government engagement. The
postcode exception will be applied in addition to any support
they are eligible for, for additional essential mileage.
Existing leases, and those agreed or renewed by 31 August, will
not be impacted by Motability changes on 1 September.
