@on_the_spectrum Lowering of mileage limits (exact figure tbc) and removal of overseas breakdown cover aren’t just rumours. Motability have already announced that these will be part of the changes introduced next year.
In all honesty, I doubt that these things will affect the vast majority of customers. Most Motability users tend to do quite low mileages, and I strongly suspect that there will be an option to have an increased mileage allowance if you pay more – exactly as happens with commercial leases. In a way, that’s fair, as those doing very low mileages are effectively subsidising those who do very high mileages at present although, in reality, we know that whilst this policy change will increase costs for some, it is highly unlikely that very low mileage users will benefit from a reduction!
As for overseas breakdown cover, those who can afford to go abroad on holiday will probably just accept the upgrade cost for the breakdown cover, which I suspect will be modest, or buy cover on the open market, as everyone else does. I doubt that this will be a game changer for anyone – more an inconvenience.
The additions of VAT and Insurance Premium Tax to APs are going to affect everyone but, if there is any discrimination, it’s in favour of Motability customers, and against disabled people who source their cars privately. Motability customers who lease WAVs, or are full time wheelchair users who need substantial and permanent adaptations, will be exempt from these additional charges. That’s exactly the same if these customers leave the scheme and buy such vehicles privately.
However, the government has agreed to leave Motability with their block VAT exemption on the base lease of ALL cars. This is not the case for the majority of qualifying benefit recipients who don’t use Motability, so they may be the folk who feel discriminated against!
Personally, I don’t have an issue with Motability stepping up efforts to remove people who abuse the scheme.
