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Motability Scheme accredited to provide wide choice of vehicles at affordable rates.


By David Porter

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Disabled people will continue to be able to lease mobility vehicles under Scotland’s new social security system it was confirmed this week.

The Scottish Government has accredited the charity Motability Scheme to provide cars, wheelchair accessible vehicles, scooters and powered wheelchairs that can be adapted to meet disabled people’s needs.

The service provides access to a wide choice of vehicles at affordable rates without the need for credit checks for people who receive a disability benefit at the appropriate rate, meaning users only have to cover fuel costs.

Announcing the accreditation award Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Access to an appropriate vehicle that can be adapted to meet the needs of disabled people provides a vital lifeline and freedom to get around that might not be possible otherwise.

“We want to make sure those who need that support have access to a competitive range of affordable vehicles that meet their needs and a package that keeps them on the road without problem.

“The Motability Scheme is a charity that has already been providing a high level of service in Scotland for 43 years.

"It has been accredited for Scotland’s new social security system after an open and fair competitive tendering process.

“Disabled adults and children already using the scheme and those that will benefit in the future can be confident that level of service will continue.”

Chief executive of Motability, Barry Le Grys said: “The Motability Scheme is delighted to continue to work closely with the Scottish Government to support the needs of disabled people and their families.

“As a scheme that is passionate about delivering affordable, worry free motoring, we are proud to support more than 620,000 customers across the UK, attracting a 92 per cent renewal rate, satisfaction rating of 9.8 out of 10, and 97 per cent of customers happy to recommend the scheme to others.

“Following this welcome announcement, we are pleased to be continuing to offer these services to our many Scottish customers, both today and tomorrow, and our investment in Scotland continues with a new office taking shape near Edinburgh, and formally opening later this spring.”

The Scottish Government will introduce the Child Disability Benefit this summer and the Disability Assistance for Working Age People early next year.

Both benefits have a mobility element that can be used for the Motability Scheme.

Lease payments for vehicles will be deducted directly from the higher rate mobility allowance provided in the new disability benefit payments.

As with the current system, insurance, maintenance and breakdown cover are included in the package, with fuel the only cost users have to pay for.

More information about Motability (the charity) can be found at www.motability.org.uk and information about the Motability Scheme can be found at www.motability.co.uk.


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