Newspapers Report "Disabled Car Plan Racket"

Motability Statement re Sunday Times Article on
19 June 2011

A recent article in The Sunday Times featured Motability and raised issues around potential abuse of both the Disability Living Allowance and the Motability Scheme.

Motability has improved the lifestyle of millions of people with disabilities during the past 33 years. As a result of providing almost three million cars our charity has been able to add new levels of freedom and independence to the lives of disabled people and their families. Sadly, on rare occasions, these benefits are abused by a small minority of people.

Motability has a dedicated Scheme Protection Unit to investigate any suspected misuse of a Motability car. Where misuse is proven or strongly suspected, the car may be taken away and the customer prevented from returning to the Motability Scheme. In 2010/11, working closely with the Police and other authorities, we removed more than 800 customers from the Scheme for abuse and prevented another 500 from joining or renewing their agreements. However, the overwhelming majority of our customers are hugely deserving individuals with real physical impairments. We must never forget that.

We welcome and will investigate any information about potential abuse of Motability cars; this can be sent in confidence by completing our online form.