Changes to mobility scheme will 'cost lives'

A wheelchair user has said changes to a driving scheme for disabled people will "cost lives".

Kay Millar, 29, from Frome, has limb paralysis and arm weakness and has been in a wheelchair since the age of 12. She is a user of the Motability scheme, for recipients of disability benefits, who can use payments to lease cars.

From July, VAT and a premium tax will apply to most new leases, along with higher mileage charges, although the company running the scheme has said it is looking at bringing in exceptions.

"We worked for years to make sure disabled people can access the world, this will force them into their homes," added Millar, who is a teacher by profession.

The rules to access the Motability scheme are about to become more strict, including a new 10,000-mile-per-year restriction on 1 July.

Drivers who go over 30,000 miles in three years will have to pay 25p per extra mile.

Millar says in the two years she's been part of the scheme, she has covered 42,000 miles and doesn't "overuse" her car.

"I live an active life, I became disabled when I was younger and have made the best of it," Millar said.

"I play basketball, I surf, I support vulnerable people that I have to drive to see."

However, she said she is "most concerned" about going to hospital appointments.

"My specialists are based in Surrey and London, I drive about two to three times a week for treatment or therapy," Millar added.

"It's not possible for me to get a different car with my specifications. I'm a low-income person. I'm in a pickle."

She added that she is worried about more vulnerable people than her.

"It's not safe for every disabled person to access public transport, especially if you're vulnerable."

A spokesperson for Motability Operations said the government announced new taxes for the scheme, which means prices will increase from July.

"Changing the mileage allowance of future leases lowers insurance and maintenance costs and increases the vehicle's resale cost, which reduces the cost of a lease," the spokesperson said.

"We understand that, in some circumstances, people may need to drive more than the mileage allowance. We will be introducing an exceptions process for very limited situations."

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