The Motability changes announced in the budget represent one of the most damaging shifts in disability policy for years (Motability scheme to drop BMW and Mercedes as it aims to buy UK-made cars, 24 November). The government’s removal of “luxury” vehicles may sound reasonable, but these cars account for just 5% of Motability leases and disabled people already pay the extra costs themselves through advance payments.
At the same time, the government is abolishing £300m in Motability tax reliefs – a move that Motability itself says is likely to be passed on to disabled customers. This means higher advance payments, more expensive leases and fewer suitable vehicles available. These cuts will reduce independence, not public spending.
