It would be interesting if figures could be calculated on this forum how many people will leave the scheme that’s the only way to put pressure on Motabilty hit them in the pocket. Also with the elections coming up in Scotland and if Labour get wiped out it may put pressure on the UK government to look at how disabled people are voting.
I suspect that the overwhelming majority of customers will grumble but remain with the scheme. Also, the majority of those who actually leave will do so at lease expiry (when the changes take effect for them) rather than now. On that basis, I suspect that there will be a steady flow of departures over the next 3 years, rather than a flood now, but that the scheme will still end up with more customers in 3 years time than it had 3 years ago – when it still thrived.
I still think that the bigger impact to Motability customer numbers could be as a result of the Timms review, rather than these changes. However, restricting access to the scheme to only those with physical disabilities (as is being suggested by most political parties) is beset with difficulties and may be a step too far, even for our current government.
I suspect that Labour will dismiss their inevitable wipe-out in the May elections as “typical mid-term protest votes” which, to a degree, is true, but whether Starmer survives it remains to be seen. The vultures are circling!