The Motability scheme has undergone a number of rule changes in July including how many miles people can drive in their Motability vehicles before triggering a surcharge. Previously, people could drive up to 20,000 miles a year before facing an excess charge of 5p per mile.
Under the new rules, users will only be able to drive 10,000 miles a year before being charged 25p per mile. However, this has raised concerns for people who need to travel long distances, such as those living in rural areas who may be far from their work, healthcare, or other services they need to access.
Following these criticisms, Motability announced it would be adding 3,000 additional miles per year to leases for certain customers living in “the most rural areas”. MP Sorcha Eastwood questioned if the DWP had considered “widening the eligibility criteria for the Motability mileage allowance extension”.
In response, Sir Stephen Timms, suggested that the Department doesn’t have much control over how the Motability Scheme is administered and explained that the scheme will be using Government data to determine the postcodes that will be eligible for the allowance extension.
He wrote: “Whilst the Department works closely with Motability and is responsible for the main disability benefits that provide a passport to the Motability Scheme, Motability Foundation is an independent charitable organisation that is wholly responsible for the terms and the administration of the Scheme, along with oversight of Motability Operations.
“Motability also understand that living in rural areas often means having to travel further to access everyday services. To support this an additional 3,000 miles per year will be provided on leases for certain customers.
“Motability Operations’ Rural and Islands Isolation Framework uses national Governments’ data on rural isolation to determine eligible postcodes. Motability Operations, which operates the Motability Scheme, is writing directly to customers in eligible postcodes.”
Motability has also previously explained that it is figuring out which postcodes are eligible by looking at the typical travel time from the postcode to essential services such as grocery stores, healthcare facilities and educational institutions.
The organisation has urged people not to contact them to ask if they are eligible for the additional mileage allowance. However, there may be other support available if you require more miles but don’t necessarily live in a rural area.
Motability Scheme guidance states: “We know 3 out of 4 customers are already driving below the new limit. But some people need to travel much further for healthcare, education or employment.
“If you need to travel much more than your standard mileage allowance because of these journeys, you may be able to get help with the cost of your extra miles.
“Every customer starts with the same standard mileage allowance. We can only offer extra support where there is clear evidence of significantly higher travel for healthcare, education or employment.”
More information about Motability Scheme and the extra mileage allowances can be found on the official Motability website.