By Carrington Walker Kelly Williams
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has given assurances over blue badges and bus travel. It moved to allay concerns among Personal Independence Payment (PIP) recipients, confirming that forthcoming welfare reforms will not impact their access to essential support services like Blue Badges, concessionary travel, or Carer’s Allowance . During a recent House session, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall addressed MPs’ queries, reassuring them that the 3.7 million individuals receiving up to 拢749.80 every four weeks will retain their current entitlement without interruption. Labour MP Dr Lauren Sullivan of Gravesham had sought clarification on how potential changes to PIP might affect its role as a gateway to other benefits. “PIP is, of course, a passport to freedom for many other things such as the Carer’s Allowance, and many local authorities use PIP for Blue Badges and bus passes,” she said. “Does the Secretary of State have a plan to mitigate the impact of the potential changes to PIP eligibility on access to Blue Badges and bus passes for disabled people?”, reports the Mirror . Ms Kendall offered assurances, stating: “As I said in my statement, existing PIP claimants will continue to have that benefit. It will not be affected even if they have a reassessment, and neither will all the passported benefits. “Carer’s Allowance is the best known, but all passported benefits will be included in that protection.” Tory MP Danny Kruger called for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to reassess the Motability Scheme during a parliamentary debate on June 23. The MP for East Wiltshire pointed out that despite the Government’s plans to overhaul benefits, the Motability Scheme had been overlooked. Mr. Kruger said: “One area where the Government do not seem to be looking for savings is in the Motability scheme,” and further argued, “It was supposed to help physically disabled people get around, but now we have 100,000 new people a year joining the scheme, many of them not physically disabled at all.” Additionally, he stated that one-fifth of all new vehicles sold are facilitated by the Motability scheme, incurring an annual cost to the taxpayer of nearly 拢3 billion. Mr. Kruger posed a critical query, urging for a full evaluation of the scheme. Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability, addressed the remarks of the shadow Minister. In response, he observed that “I am not sure whether the shadow Minister wants me to go further or not so far – he seems to be facing both ways.” Sir Stephen Timms confirmed, “He is right that we are not at this point proposing any changes to the Motability scheme.” This scheme is crucial for those who receive a higher or enhanced rate of mobility component as part of their disability benefit, allowing them to lease new cars, wheelchair-accessible vehicles, scooters, or powered wheelchairs. In addition to a brand-new vehicle, customers can enjoy additional benefits such as insurance, breakdown cover, all-inclusive servicing, maintenance, tyre services, and windscreen repair, according to Plymouth Live. The scheme, which isn’t under the jurisdiction of the DWP but is supported through a direct transfer of payments from claimants’ awards, offers an extensive selection with over 800 vehicles listed in their latest catalogue. For those choosing this comprehensive scheme, it’s worth noting that the higher rate of mobility component within the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is 拢77.05 weekly, amounting to approximately 拢308.20 every four weeks. Latest figures from Motability Operations, the charity behind the Motability Scheme, show that there are currently 815,000 customers across the UK. Also known as the Accessible Vehicles and Equipment Scheme for recipients of devolved disability benefits like Adult Disability Payment (ADP) or Child Disability Payment (CDP), the scheme provides an affordable solution for disabled individuals to improve their outdoor mobility.