Frome woman campaigns over planned disability transport changes

A wheelchair user in Frome is warning that planned changes to a national vehicle leasing scheme could leave disabled people unable to work or access their communities.

Kay Millar says proposed changes to mileage limits and charges will make it unaffordable for many users who rely on adapted vehicles for daily life and employment.

She has used a wheelchair since the age of 12 and says the changes, due to take effect from 1st July, could put her own job and independence at risk.

The Motability Scheme, which enables disabled people to lease vehicles, is introducing changes to new leases following government tax changes announced last autumn, which it says have increased running costs.

Kay said the changes began with an unexpected email from the scheme setting out reductions in mileage allowance from 60,000 miles to 30,000 miles and an increase in excess mileage charges to 25p per mile, replacing a lower rate.

She said the move came ‘out of the blue’ with no consultation and would impact people with no alternative transport options.

“It’s pretty devastating for the most disabled people who really don’t have any other option to use the scheme,” she said.

She added that the cost increase could force her to give up her car, her job and her ability to travel to work, which involves visiting homes, schools and community placements.

“I would lose my car, then I would lose my job and then I would lose my access to the community,” she said.

More than 100 people have joined her campaign and she has written to MP Anna Sabine seeking support.

Kay is also a para-surfer and wheelchair basketball player and recently completed the London Marathon.

A spokesperson for Motability UK said it was aware many disabled customers would be concerned, adding that the independence it provides is ‘essential to daily life’.

It said changes were due to government tax measures and would mean an average £1,100 increase in lease costs from July.

“Most customers, around three in four people who use the scheme, currently travel within the mileage allowance being introduced from July,” said the spokesperson.

“We know this will not be the case for everyone. Some customers may need to drive more because of work, caring responsibilities, medical appointments, where they live or limited access to other transport. We will introduce an exceptions process for specific circumstances where customers have a particular need.”