People claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) who are part of the Motability Scheme will receive a letter from Motability Operations regarding a new mileage allowance extension. The change, introduced in early July under the Labour government, is now overseen by Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
New mileage allowance for rural and island areas
Motability Operations has announced an additional 3,000 miles per year for certain customers living in the most rural areas or on islands. The Rural and Islands Isolation Framework uses national government data on rural isolation to determine eligible postcodes, based on travel time to essential services such as grocery shopping, healthcare, and education.
In a written response to a parliamentary question from Sorcha Eastwood, Alliance MP for Lagan Valley, Sir Stephen Timms, who retained his role as Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in Burnham's cabinet reshuffle, confirmed: "Whilst the Department works closely with Motability and is responsible for the main disability benefits that provide a passport to the Motability Scheme, Motability Foundation is an independent charitable organisation that is wholly responsible for the terms and the administration of the Scheme, along with oversight of Motability Operations."
Eligibility and notification process
Timms added: "Motability also understand that living in rural areas often means having to travel further to access everyday services. To support this an additional 3,000 miles per year will be provided on leases for certain customers." He further explained that Motability Operations will write directly to customers in eligible postcodes.
This means PIP and DLA claimants affected by the changes can expect a letter on their doormat. Other qualifying benefits include Adult Disability Payment, Child Disability Payment, the higher rate mobility component of Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance, Armed Forces Independence Payment, and War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement.
Motability Operations statement
A spokesperson for Motability Operations told Birmingham Live: "Customers living in the most rural areas and on islands may qualify for additional mileage support." They added: "We understand that living in the most rural areas often means having to travel further to access everyday services. To support this, we will add up to 3,000 additional miles per year onto the lease for certain customers."
The spokesperson clarified: "We've used the national Governments' data on rural isolation to identify the areas with limited access to essential services. The data looks at the typical travel time to services that people regularly rely on, including grocery shopping, healthcare and education. We'll check your postcode to identify if you're eligible for this support and let you know directly via email or letter if it applies to your lease. Please do not contact us to ask if you're eligible."
Impact on claimants
The extension aims to ensure that disabled motorists in remote areas are not disadvantaged by their location. The additional mileage is intended to keep the allowance in line with what most customers need, while supporting those who must travel further for everyday services. Claimants are advised to wait for direct communication from Motability Operations rather than contacting them proactively.
