Vehicles to meet disabled people’s needs

Disabled people will continue to be able to lease mobility vehicles under Scotland’s new social security system.

The Scottish Government has accredited the charity Motability Scheme to provide cars, wheelchair accessible vehicles, scooters and powered wheelchairs that can be adapted to meet disabled people’s needs.

The service provides access to a wide choice of vehicles at affordable rates without the need for credit checks for people who receive a disability benefit at the appropriate rate, meaning users only have to cover fuel costs.

Announcing the accreditation award at Macklin Motors in Dunfermline, Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said:

“Access to an appropriate vehicle that can be adapted to meet the needs of disabled people provides a vital lifeline and freedom to get around that might not be possible otherwise.

“We want to make sure those who need that support have access to a competitive range of affordable vehicles that meet their needs and a package that keeps them on the road without problem.

“The Motability Scheme is a charity that has already been providing a high level of service in Scotland for 43 years. It has been accredited for Scotland’s new social security system after an open and fair competitive tendering process.

“Disabled adults and children already using the scheme and those that will benefit in the future can be confident that level of service will continue.”

Barry Le Grys, Chief Executive of Motability, said:

“The Motability Scheme is delighted to continue to work closely with the Scottish Government to support the needs of disabled people and their families.

“As a scheme that is passionate about delivering affordable, worry free motoring, we are proud to support more than 620,000 customers across the UK, attracting a 92% renewal rate, satisfaction rating of 9.8 out of 10, and 97% of customers happy to recommend the scheme to others.

“Following this welcome announcement, we are pleased to be continuing to offer these services to our many Scottish customers, both today and tomorrow, and our investment in Scotland continues with a new office taking shape near Edinburgh, and formally opening later this spring.”

Etienne d’Aboville, Chief Executive of the Glasgow Centre for Inclusive Living, said:

“Encountering barriers to mobility is an all too common experience for many disabled and older people. Yet being able to travel freely and independently, where possible, is crucial if we are to enjoy equal citizenship and participate fully in our communities.

“As a full-time wheelchair user and long-time wheelchair accessible vehicle driver, I can testify what a difference this has made to my own independence and quality of life.

“I therefore welcome the Scottish Government’s launch of Scotland’s own Accessible Vehicles and Equipment Scheme. This is a golden opportunity for Scotland to take the best of the broadly successful Motability Scheme and improve it further still.”

Background

The Scottish Government will introduce the Child Disability Benefit this summer and the Disability Assistance for Working Age People early next year. Both benefits have a mobility element that can be used for the Motability Scheme.

Lease payments for vehicles will be deducted directly from the higher rate mobility allowance provided in the new disability benefit payments. As with the current system, insurance, maintenance and breakdown cover are included in the package, with fuel the only cost users have to pay for.

Motability is a Registered Charity in England and Wales (number 299745) and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Reference number 736309). More information about Motability (the charity) can be found at www.motability.org.uk. More information about the Motability Scheme can be found at www.motability.co.uk