55,000 people have rushed to complain over new rules for people on Personal Independence Payment and Disability Living Allowance. The Department for Work and Pensions is under pressure over its plans to change the Motability Scheme.
Motability Scheme Changes
The Motability Scheme, which DLA and PIP claimants qualify for, is being tweaked as the DWP tries to cut its welfare bill. The changes from the Labour Party government include new mileage rates and allowances. The changes start in July 2026, with existing leases protected. But despite the pledge not to impact those currently claiming the perk, a petition has urged the DWP to deviate from its plans.
Petition Warning
The petition warns: "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."
"Many disabled people earn considerably less than average and a cost increase could mean they struggle to get a car." The petition, backed by 55,000 names, goes on: "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."
Next Steps
100,000 signatures are required to be considered for a debate in Parliament. The petition, created by Dave Walton, has a deadline of 15 July 2026. All petitions run for 6 months, giving it plenty of time to trigger a debate from parliamentarians. Other benefits which qualify for Motability include the Armed Forces Independence Payment.
The DWP said: "The Government and Motability have worked in partnership to develop reforms which strike the right balance between delivering a key service for disabled people and fairness to the taxpayer."
