Mims Davies, MP for Eastleigh, has welcomed an announcement from Department for Work and Pensions Minister Penny Mordaunt confirming that there will be an extension to the Motability Lease, which plays a vital role in supporting many disabled people and their families through the provision of a car, scooter or powered wheelchair.
Mims said, “This announcement, which will – thanks to Motability – allow scheme customers making the transition between Disability Living Allowance and Personal Independence Payment to retain their car for up to eight weeks after their Disability Living Allowance payments end comes as welcome news for my constituents in Eastleigh, with the current time frame allowed being just three weeks.
“I am committed to ensuring that disabled people within my constituency of Eastleigh get the support that they need. Remaining mobile is hugely beneficial both for our physical, as well as our mental health, and I commend the fantastic work that Motability, in conjunction with the DWP, continues to carry out in this area.”
Currently Motability - a charity which has no role in determining who should receive Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment – has in place a transitional support package which includes a £2,000 lump sum for those disabled people who are not entitled to the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment following reassessment from Disability Living Allowance to Personal Independence Payment.
In recent months the Department has been working closely with Motability in a bid to explore further ways of helping disabled people, a key focus being how best to support Motability customers who are in the process of any reconsideration or appeal.
In addition, those eligible for a transitional support payment will be able to retain their car for up to six months, including during the process of reconsideration or appeal. Those who take advantage of this option will see a reduction in the level of transitional support payment.