A single mother and full-time carer from Macclesfield has described feeling 'petrified' following the government's budget announcement this week, which included reforms to the Motability scheme and staged increases in fuel duty.
'Really Frightened' by Motability Reforms
Raegan Furness, 38, cares for her two daughters, 13-year-old Amelia-Star, who has ADHD, and nine-year-old Kacie-Rae, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. The family relies on Universal Credit and Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that disabled people using the Motability scheme will no longer be permitted to lease 'premium' vehicles like BMWs and Mercedes with immediate effect. Raegan now fears her large Ford Transit van, which is essential for transporting Kacie-Rae and all her medical equipment to hospital appointments, could be classified as a 'luxury' vehicle.
'I'm really frightened,' Raegan admitted. 'They're going after the most vulnerable.' Losing the van would severely impact their ability to access vital healthcare.
The Crushing Cost of Fuel and Energy
Even if she gets to keep her vehicle, Raegan faces another financial hurdle from the budget. The announced staged increases in fuel duty from next year threaten her ability to afford diesel.
'It already costs over £100 to fill up the diesel - and it drinks it,' she said, highlighting the potential impact of being 'taxed on how far we drive' for essential journeys that can be 60 miles round trip to the hospital.
Money is already extremely tight, and she often struggles to pay bills. The announced £150 cut to energy bills offers no relief, as Raegan is in debt to her supplier and fears being disconnected over Christmas.
'Kacie-Rae cannot regulate her body temperature, and she has to be kept warm,' Raegan explained. A power cut would be catastrophic: 'I can't power her hoist, or her suction machine to stop her choking. It's very concerning, and I don't feel safe.'
A Crisis of Trust and Support
Despite her fear, Raegan holds onto a sliver of doubt, born from past promises. 'I don't believe it will happen... They said they'd bring [household bills] down last year and they didn't. They could change their minds. I don't believe it and I don't trust them.'
She is not alone in her anxiety. 'The people I speak to who are part of disability support groups, they're all very concerned,' she shared.
While Raegan agrees with the principle of 'taxing the wealthy', she feels the current measures are misplaced. 'They're so out of touch, and there is no awareness of regular people in society. To be honest, I'm petrified.'
