Thanks guys for all of the help but you seem to be assuming I would pass finance! Unfortunately as a full time student this is highly unlikely. I couldn’t get finance for a laptop just a few months ago. My mum has no chance as she hasn’t worked for over 10 years due to her illness.
I have been looking at alternatives myself though in the mean time and the company ‘mobility vehicle hire ltd’ are sending me some quotes for a few different cars. Apparently they cover essentially everything which motability do except insurance, certain tyre issues, blow outs and windscreen damage. They cater then really for that ‘worry free’ approach to motoring. Surprisingly they don’t do a credit check apparently? It all seems a bit too good to be true but I’m guessing the prices will be astronomical to reflect this.
They appear to be backed by ‘Disabled Motoring UK’ and also other similar groups so seem legit? I’m just hoping, given the apparent level of service, their prices aren’t sky high. I can’t find much information on the company. If something they offer me is feasible I’ll definitely use them over Motability as they have none of the restrictions. I’ve asked for quotes on the same car I drive currently as well as all of the cheapest models they offer.
In the mean time after much deliberation I’m waiting to hear back from motability as to whether I can extend the lease on my current car and avoid having to pay out another advanced payment. If I can extend the current lease and can’t find anything alternative I’ll be continuing with Motability and no doubt being extremely cautious with every journey, ensuring that they are all to my mums exact primary benefit.
Motability is such a good deal that if I can’t find something similarly priced and even if I’m having to get the tram to University and walk to the shop, as ridiculous as that seems and even though it will mean I spend much less time with my mum, it will still be worth it just to get her to hospital appointments and to do her shopping.
I will have to figure out how I’m going to afford all the extra tram fares though and right now that’s looking impossible. :/ Motability, the further along it has gone, haven’t been particularly sympathetic but rules are rules I suppose.
I still think that for sole primary carers the car should be allowed to be with them at all times, especially where the disabled person can need immediate assistance. If three people can access and drive the vehicle then fair enough in that scenario. Maybe it will change one day.
No matter what happens I do need to ensure I have transport available for my mum, it would be extremely selfish of me otherwise, it’s just finding the best and most reasonable approach with everything else considered. Thank you for all of the links.
I’ll keep this thread updated as often as I can. I think in the future all of this information may be of value to others.