Information on buying a TAX FREE CAR if Disabled Please

tightwad11

Hi

Does any one know whether you can get the combination of both the 'wheelchair user's VAT exemption rate' and the 'scrappage scheme' at the same time when buying a new car. I have inquired about this, however, I was told I could not use both together. Is this not a case of disability discrimination.

Can any one advise?

tightwad11

Saversue

Oscar_The_Grouch wrote: »

Hmmm.... Directgov says that the car is VAT exempt for wheelchair users if:

you buy a motor vehicle that has been substantially and permanently adapted for your personal use

They don't define "substantially", but they do go on to say that motability is exempt. OP; any reason you don't want to get a vehicle from motability on the hire purchase scheme?

Anyone any thoughts on what "substantially" means?

The reason I don't want to get a Motability car is that at the moment they have only given me one year HM DLA. I have asked for it to be reviewed. I have been HLC and LRM for many years, but circumstances changed last year, It took them 6 months to change existing award to HM,so too late to get a mobility car last year. This award is from April 2010 -2011. I am stressed out watching for the post to arrive everyday because some people are saying that they have had their award reduced when asking for it to be reassessed.

TOBRUK

Hi Saversue, I can imagine how you are feeling waiting for that brown envelope and then ... being afraid to open it!

I take it you need to change your existng car, or perhaps you haven't got a car yet? Do you need any adaptions?

IF they don't extend your mobility for now, would you perhaps be able to buy a second hand car? I ask because I have never gone down the motability route, I bought a second hand car and then had it adapted. My car is now 14 years old and still going strong - just past MOT first time.:)

G-MIKI

Oscar_The_Grouch wrote: »

Hmmm.... Directgov says that the car is VAT exempt for wheelchair users if:

you buy a motor vehicle that has been substantially and permanently adapted for your personal use

They don't define "substantially", but they do go on to say that motability is exempt. OP; any reason you don't want to get a vehicle from motability on the hire purchase scheme?

Anyone any thoughts on what "substantially" means?

I spoke to a helpful person at HMC&E and the definition is "if it needs a spanner to fit it".

G-MIKI

tightwad11 wrote: »

Hi

Does any one know whether you can get the combination of both the 'wheelchair user's VAT exemption rate' and the 'scrappage scheme' at the same time when buying a new car. I have inquired about this, however, I was told I could not use both together. Is this not a case of disability discrimination.

Can any one advise?

tightwad11

You have been advised wrongly, the schemes are separate and there is no reason why you could not have VAT exemption when using the scrappage scheme.

Scrappage is funded by a combination of the govt and the manufacturers. The VAT element is zero-rated if you qualify under the rules as a wheelchair or stretcher user and need a "permanent and substantial adaption".

http://!!!!!!!.com/yhhdnhd
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If in doubt give C&E a call. They are very helpful.

tightwad11

Thanks for that , but who are C&E

G-MIKI

Sorry - Customs and Excise

kaya

i investigated this a few years back, the substantial adaptation which needs a spanner to fit it can be one of those knob thingies that fit onto the steering wheel as you see in lorries and on plant equipment, description is pants so check out link
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Third-Hand-Steering-Wheel-Knob_W0QQitemZ350311279288QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item51902deab8

Oscar_The_Grouch

Thanks Kaya & G-Miki; that's great information and probably of use to more than just me!!

Oscar_The_Grouch

G-MIKI wrote: »

You have been advised wrongly, the schemes are separate and there is no reason why you could not have VAT exemption when using the scrappage scheme.

Scrappage is funded by a combination of the govt and the manufacturers. The VAT element is zero-rated if you qualify under the rules as a wheelchair or stretcher user and need a "permanent and substantial adaption".


Replace !!!!!!! with !!!!!!! - don't know whay it won't paste or edit.
Trying again with spaces - t i n y u r l

If in doubt give C&E a call. They are very helpful.

G-Miki, I think they won't let you post links as a new member of the forum. I'm not sure how long you have to be a member for before you can post links, but try typing "www dot abcdefgdotcodotuk". People will get the idea.