People receiving seven Department for Work and Pensions benefits are being urged to “beat” new Motability Scheme rules that take effect on July 1. Ford is encouraging benefits claimants to act before the looming crackdown on the Motability scheme.
Ford’s Campaign to Beat the Changes
Trust Ford, the world’s largest Ford dealership group, has been running podcast adverts encouraging prospective drivers to access the scheme before the rules are tightened next month. The advert, which appears alongside podcasts including The Totally Football Show, states: “If you, or someone you care for, receives the higher-rate disability living allowance or personal independence payment, you may be eligible for a brand new Ford.
“And now, from July 1, 2026, major changes will apply to new leases. Choose your next Motability vehicle before this date and our award-winning Motability specialists will be on hand to ensure you beat the changes and keep today's benefits for the next three years.”
Criticism from the TaxPayers' Alliance
Callum McGoldrick from the TaxPayers' Alliance warned that the new advert risked “undermining public confidence” in the Motability scheme, which is already under intense scrutiny. He said: “Motability is meant to support those with genuine mobility needs, not encourage a last-minute rush before eligibility rules tighten. There should be focus on responsible promotion, not marketing that appears to encourage people to 'beat the changes' at taxpayers' expense.”
Benefits Qualifying for the Motability Scheme
The DWP benefits that qualify for the Motability Scheme include:
- Personal Independence Payment
- Disability Living Allowance
- Adult Disability Payment
- Child Disability Payment
- Armed Forces Independent Payment
- War Pensioners Mobility Supplement
- Scottish Adult DLA
TrustFord’s Countdown Clock
TrustFord’s website even features a countdown clock ticking down to the new Motability updates from July 1. The site encourages road users to “beat the changes”. It explains: “From 1st July 2026, major changes to the Motability Scheme, including VAT/IPT taxes, lower mileage allowances (30k over 3 years), increased excess fees, and new tyre rules, will apply to new leases. TrustFord advises ordering before this date to secure current allowances and benefits.”
DWP Response
A DWP spokesperson said: “The scheme is administered independently by Motability Operations, and individual dealers are responsible for their own marketing activity. We are committed to ensuring the scheme continues to deliver for the disabled people it was designed to support, and we’re reforming Motability to save the taxpayer £1bn over five years and put money back in people’s pockets.”
