The Department for Work and Pensions has released an official response to demands for the removal of new regulations concerning Personal Independence Payment and Disability Living Allowance. The DWP is currently modifying the Motability Scheme, which is open to claimants of DLA and PIP.
Other benefits that qualify for the Motability Scheme include Adult Disability Payment, Child Disability Payment, Scottish DLA, War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement, and Armed Forces Independence Payment.
A petition has been launched urging: "Stop proposed changes to the Motability Scheme. The recent budget has announced taxes on advanced payments and a decrease in mileage allowances. We believe this is unfair to the most vulnerable in society and could affect their independence."
The petition further states: "Many disabled people earn considerably less than average and a cost increase could mean they struggle to get a car. Many disabled people also need to use their car for short journeys, where others may be able to walk, and mileage soon adds up because of this. While those living in big cities could potentially rely on public transport, public transport is often rare in rural areas, which may potentially take people's independence away."
After gathering 54,000 signatures, the DWP responded: "The Government and Motability have worked in partnership to develop a suite of reforms which strikes the right balance between delivering a key service for disabled people and fairness to the taxpayer, saving over £1 billion by financial year 2030/31. These reforms will not affect eligibility for the Motability Scheme or disability benefits."
The statement continued: "In determining these changes, Motability have taken careful steps to ensure the Scheme remains good value and accessible for disabled people. This includes engaging with Scheme customers about prospective changes, the feedback from which has informed the changes."
The petition is halfway to the required 100,000 signatures, which would trigger a parliamentary debate.
