Great 'What discounts can I get when I'm disabled' Hunt

ladyesmereldaprice

Dont forget, if you are registered disabled you can use the special services at airports and dont forget to mention disability when booking flight tickets as disabled seating is available on most flights. Services are available from foreign airports for return journeys but probably need to be pre-ordered or some airlines will book ahead from the plane.:cool:

portlandboy

JayWalker wrote: »

VAT-free purchases for disabled people.

In reality, this is only useful in outlets that specialise in mobility and other products to help the disabled. PCs are excluded from the offer, or so a couple of PC dealerships have told me. However, it can also be used when purchasing a NEW CAR. The car has to be adapted on the dealer premises (at your expense) prior to it leaving the showroom.

Details here:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/FinancialSupport/Taxreliefandreductions/DG_10028495

Just like to highlight the bit about the car having to be adapted. This is not strictly true. I have mobility problems and got the VAT off of a new car without any adaptions at all. In fact, the car only had to be "suitable or adapted for the purpose of carrying disability aids" i.e. my wheelchair. Any car large enough to serve the purpose of carrying disabled aids can have the VAT removed if it is to be used by the claimant. So if the car fits your situation, it can qualify for the relief. And all dealers have access to the VAT relief forms, even if they say they don't!

50Twuncle

What about "Automatic" cars as opposed to "Manual" cars - is this a great enough adaption ?
I drive an automatic rather than a manual - I doubt very much whether I could return to a manual...

melcmgr

If you look on the congestion charge website you can download a form that the disabled person fills in. For a payment of £10 you are then exempt from the charge. You can nominate any vehicle you drive or are travelling in at the time.

If the taxation class of your vehicle is 'disabled' - any vehicle can be changed to this even if it has no adaptions- you do not pay the congestion charge.

robynprincess

windsor swimming pool offers free swim for disabled AND their carer. you have to live in the borough though

atkinson2410

I work for Leeds city council as an information officer for disabled children and their families/carers and just ran an article about a variety of discount cards and activities. The main cards are:

Metro Bus Pass: contact metro on 0113 222 4444 for information about a concessionary pass for a companion to travel at a discounted rate as well as the disabled person!

Cinema card at ceacard.co.uk has already been mentioned

Sports centre concessions, just call in to a local council sports centre and a carer will be admitted in to a swimming or gym session with a paying disabled child/young person. New centres are opening up around the city and are really quality.

Bowling discounts at hollywood bowl. Just call 0113 279 9111 for more info from the kirkstall road bowling centre and ask about their 'H' card

Hope this helps and if you are interested in more you can read the full article in A Brighter Future magazine on thefamilyhubleeds website

Artycards

Bristol Zoo off a good reduction of the carer goes free and the disabled person is cheaper.

Carer and Disabled get in for £7.50 each at Monkely World...easy to get around too for the disabled as it is all tarmarced walk ways. You can also borrow a motorised scotter to get around on. (Check their web site for more details)

Aberglasney Gardens (South Wales) offers reduced rates and carer is free ( I think)

Andrea xx:wave:

mrosy321

in Cardiff The Milenium theatre dissabled people can go to any show with a carer free so its buy one get one free

potato_pizza

I work with young people who have learning disabilities and we have discovered that a huge number of places will admit carers for free. Recent examples include the London Eye and the London Aquarium. Just ask!

portlandboy

21Twinkle wrote: »

*Most* of these discounts appear to be available to disabled people who live in London/SE - What about those of us who live out in the sticks (South West) ?

MOST of these discounts apply to everyone across the country, you just have to travel to use them. For cheaper travel, disabled tickets have been mentioned and these apply to everyone too. Local councils offer discounts for use of their own facilities and for council tax, again across the country. VAT discounts apply throughout the UK, cinemas are national and their offers are similar everywhere. BT offer the 195 service to all who need help with the phone directory and utility companies offer "social tarrifs" to those who qualify, no matter where they live.
I take advantage of many of the above, including discounts totalling about £200 for a weekend in London that I recently booked ( Lion King Show, train travel, hotel etc.). You do need to ask, as nobody hands them to you on a plate, but they are available to all.
Regards,
Portlandboy,
DORSET, in the South-West