18/03/2019
The Motability scheme, a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of disabled people across the UK, is currently navigating a period of significant upheaval. Recent figures confirm long-held fears that the transition from Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to the new Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is leading to a substantial number of individuals losing their crucial mobility vehicles, impacting their independence and daily lives.
It has been revealed that over 100 disabled people every single week are being forced to hand back their Motability vehicles following assessments for the government’s new disability benefit. This alarming rate underscores the profound impact of the PIP reassessment programme on some of the most vulnerable members of society.
The Shift from DLA to PIP: A Fundamental Change
For many years, the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) provided financial support to help disabled people meet the extra costs of their disability. A key component of DLA was the mobility element, which, at its higher rate, entitled individuals to access the Motability scheme – allowing them to lease a new car, scooter, or powered wheelchair. This scheme has been instrumental in providing unparalleled freedom and independence to countless people.
However, the introduction of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for working-age adults has fundamentally altered this landscape. PIP is designed to assess an individual's ability to carry out daily living activities and their mobility needs. Crucially, only those who qualify for the enhanced rate of the mobility component of PIP – or, for existing claimants, the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA – retain their entitlement to a vehicle through the Motability scheme. This change in assessment criteria has been the catalyst for the current widespread loss of vehicles.
Unpacking the Alarming Figures
The figures emerging from the reassessment process paint a stark picture. While the full scale of the impact is still unfolding, initial data confirms the grave concerns raised by charities and disability advocates. Motability has confirmed that out of approximately 8,000 customers who have so far undergone PIP eligibility reassessments, a staggering 3,000 have lost their entitlement to the scheme and have been instructed to return their vehicles. This means nearly 38% of reassessed individuals have lost their mobility support.
The rate of loss is accelerating, with Motability reporting over 100 customers losing eligibility each week. This speed is expected to increase further as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) extends the reassessment rollout to additional areas across Great Britain. Early estimates suggested that at least 100,000 disabled people could lose their Motability car, with some projections reaching as high as 180,000 DLA claimants eventually being forced to surrender their vehicles. Given that Motability previously estimated around 360,000 of its customers would eventually be reassessed for PIP, if the current rate of three out of eight losing eligibility persists, the number could indeed reach 135,000.
The Impact on Independence
For many disabled individuals, a Motability vehicle is not a luxury but an absolute necessity. It represents the key to independence, enabling them to:
- Access employment and volunteering opportunities.
- Attend vital medical appointments and therapies.
- Maintain social connections and participate in community life.
- Carry out essential daily tasks like grocery shopping.
- Provide transport for carers or family members who rely on them.
Losing this vital means of transport can have devastating consequences, leading to increased isolation, reduced access to healthcare, and significant barriers to employment and education. The emotional and practical toll on individuals and their families cannot be overstated.
Motability's Transitional Support Package
Recognising the profound impact of these changes, Motability announced a transitional support package 18 months ago. This commendable initiative provides a one-off payment of £2,000 to every disabled person who had their vehicle taken away after being reassessed for PIP, provided they had joined the scheme before January 2013. This payment is designed to help individuals secure alternative mobility solutions.
Motability has already provided approximately £6 million through this support package, and the number of recipients is expected to rise significantly as the pace of DWP reassessments quickens. Early research indicates that customers receiving this support are appreciative, with many using the funds to purchase a used car, thus helping them to maintain some level of mobility. While a welcome measure, it cannot fully compensate for the long-term, accessible, and worry-free mobility that the Motability scheme offers.
DWP's Perspective
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has responded to concerns by highlighting the number of new claimants awarded the PIP enhanced rate mobility component. By the end of January 2015, over 103,000 new claimants had been awarded this rate. Additionally, over 26,000 people previously on DLA also received the enhanced rate of mobility after being reassessed under PIP. The DWP asserts that it has worked closely with Motability to ensure support is available for those leaving the scheme, including the £2,000 one-off payment, which they believe will help ensure mobility needs continue to be met.
While the initial implementation of PIP was slower than anticipated, the reassessment process is now accelerating. Motability acknowledges that it is "still too early" to accurately predict the total number of customers who will lose their vehicles, as the process is only a "small percentage of the way through" its expected five-year duration. However, the scheme is preparing for a range of scenarios, both above and below the initial estimate of 100,000 losses.
The ongoing nature of these reassessments means that thousands more disabled people will face the anxiety of potentially losing their vehicles in the coming months and years. The long-term implications for individual well-being and broader societal inclusion remain a significant concern for charities and policymakers alike.
Comparative Overview: DLA vs. PIP Mobility
| Feature | Disability Living Allowance (DLA) Mobility | Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Mobility |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility Basis | Focus on how the disability affects mobility (e.g., ability to walk a certain distance). | Focus on how the disability affects ability to plan and follow journeys, and move around (e.g., walking ability, but also cognitive/mental health impact on mobility). |
| Assessment Method | Primarily based on self-report and medical evidence from healthcare professionals. | Requires a face-to-face assessment by an independent assessor in most cases. |
| Mobility Component Rates | Higher Rate, Lower Rate. | Enhanced Rate, Standard Rate. |
| Motability Access | Only Higher Rate Mobility Component. | Only Enhanced Rate Mobility Component. |
| Target Group | Children and adults up to State Pension age. | Working-age adults (16 to State Pension age). |
The shift from DLA to PIP involves a change in the criteria and the assessment process, which has led to many individuals who previously qualified for the higher rate of DLA mobility no longer meeting the enhanced rate criteria for PIP mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Motability scheme?
The Motability scheme allows disabled people to exchange their qualifying mobility allowance to lease a new car, scooter, or powered wheelchair. It provides an affordable and accessible way for disabled individuals to gain greater freedom and independence.
Why are people losing their Motability vehicles?
People are losing their Motability vehicles because the government is replacing Disability Living Allowance (DLA) with Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for working-age adults. The eligibility criteria for the mobility component of PIP are different and generally stricter than DLA, meaning many individuals who previously qualified for a vehicle no longer meet the new requirements for the enhanced rate of PIP mobility.
What is Personal Independence Payment (PIP)?
PIP is a non-means-tested benefit designed to help with the extra costs of a long-term health condition or disability. It has two components: Daily Living and Mobility. To be eligible for a Motability vehicle, claimants must receive the enhanced rate of the mobility component.
What support is available for those losing their vehicles?
Motability has implemented a transitional support package, which includes a one-off payment of £2,000 for eligible customers who joined the scheme before January 2013 and lose their entitlement due to PIP reassessment. This payment is intended to help them purchase an alternative form of transport.
How many people are expected to lose their Motability vehicles in total?
While an accurate total is still uncertain as the reassessment process continues, initial estimates suggested around 100,000 people could lose their vehicles. More recent projections, based on current reassessment rates, suggest this number could be closer to 135,000 or even higher, though Motability is prepared for various scenarios.
Conclusion
The ongoing reassessment of DLA claimants for PIP is having a profound and undeniable impact on the lives of thousands of disabled people across the UK. The weekly figures of individuals losing their Motability vehicles highlight a critical challenge that affects personal independence, access to essential services, and overall quality of life. While Motability's transitional support offers some relief, the long-term implications of these changes demand continued scrutiny and support for those most affected. The journey ahead for many disabled individuals remains uncertain, underscoring the vital importance of the Motability scheme as a pillar of mobility and inclusion.
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