firstly rhodgie, do your home work wpms ap’s are not subsidised. the wpms rate that we surrender to get our car is £69.85 pip/dla etc is £62.55 so we pay £7.30 a week more for our car hence they reduce the ap.
automatics are more expensive to buy for anyone from the manufacturers and their residual on the 2nd hand market is generally less than for a manual in this country as in the wider population they are not as popular therefore the ap is higher.
now i agree there ought to be system of grants like the one that the veterans agency offers for those that require an auto because of their disability but to say those on the scheme that have manuals should pay more to subsidise autos accross the board is just wrong.
the grant should be based on the disability not just personal preference.
the veterans grant is currently £660 so doesnt cover all of the extra cost of an auto and i think you only get it if theres an ap to pay.