Major Changes to Motability Scheme Announced
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has delivered a significant blow to disabled motorists by announcing the removal of luxury car brands from the Motability Scheme. The changes, revealed in yesterday's Autumn Budget, will take effect from December 1, 2025, fundamentally altering the vehicle choices available to the scheme's 860,000 participants.
Which Cars Are Being Removed?
The Chancellor confirmed that several premium manufacturers will no longer be available through the government-backed initiative. Speaking in the House of Commons, Ms Reeves stated: "The Motability Scheme was set up to protect the most vulnerable, not to subsidise the lease on a Mercedes-Benz."
The full list of vehicles being removed includes models from Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz. Additionally, all coupé and convertible models across any brand will no longer be available through the scheme.
What This Means for Scheme Users
The Motability Scheme allows people receiving specific disability allowances to exchange their payments for a leased vehicle, which can include cars, scooters or powered wheelchairs. The programme is widely regarded as essential for maintaining independence and freedom for disabled people across Britain.
There is a small window of opportunity for those who already have appointments scheduled. Orders for the soon-to-be-removed vehicles can still be placed until 5pm on Sunday, November 30, according to reports.
Andrew Miller, Chief Executive of Motability Operations, commented: "The Motability Scheme makes a difference to disabled people's lives every day and our customers tell us it is a lifeline to freedom and independence."
In a positive development for British manufacturing, the reforms include a new commitment that at least half of the vehicles used each year will be built in Britain from 2035. Motability Operations is expected to collaborate closely with UK manufacturers to increase the number of British-built vehicles available to clients.
The changes represent the most significant shake-up to the Motability Scheme in years, aiming to refocus the initiative on its original purpose of providing cost-effective transport solutions for disabled people while supporting domestic automotive manufacturing.
