Context
The Motability scheme provides accessible cars for disabled people, but concerns have been raised about questionable conditions and the affordability of some vehicles. Shaun Davies has heard from constituents regarding these issues.
Question
The Motability scheme stems from the vital principle that people with disabilities should be able to live a dignified and independent life. I have heard from several constituents about how accessible cars can help them into work and healthcare, which I welcome, but I have also heard from a number of others about those with questionable conditions being provided with cars that, quite simply, the average working family could not afford. In many cases the cars are not even made in Britain. Does the Minister agree that, in order to keep faith and confidence in the scheme, it is really important that the scheme addresses real need across the country and in my constituency? Will he meet me to discuss some of the extreme cases that I am hearing about in Telford?
Answer from The Minister for Social Security and Disability (Sir Stephen Timms)
I do agree with my hon. Friend, and I would be happy to meet him. Motability is an important scheme that does an important job. Some tax reliefs will be removed in July. Existing leases will not be affected, and neither will wheelchair-adapted vehicles. There will still be vehicles, with no up-front payment, that are affordable solely through the mobility component of personal independence payment, so the scheme will continue to do a great job but will give better value for money for taxpayers.
Not addressed: The Minister did not address the specific concern about questionable conditions and affordability directly. He agreed to meet Shaun Davies but did not provide concrete details or commitments regarding these issues in his answer.
How: Agreed To Meet, Did Not Provide Concrete Details
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