I was only looking the other day, you can pick up a Ford Mustang Mach-e on motability for 6k. They then pay all running costs, tyres, servicing, insurance (up to 3 drivers), breakdown cover and home charge point. How is that remotely right? It really does pay to do feck all and let the system pick up the slack
Mock all you like - it's probably the best car I've had and I've had Lexus, Mercedes, Audi, and Jaguars
If someone has a severe mobility issue, they claim Higher Personal Independence Payment. Eligibility is government tested. There are a few different conditions but essentially the applicant must be unable to walk /move more than 20 metres, either with or without a walking aid. IF you pass the assessment, you get £80 per week which you can spend on whatever you like. If said applicant wants a Mustang Mach E on mobility, their allowance of £80 goes directly to Mobility. The £6K the disabled person must pay themselves in addition and there is no refund at the end of the hire period.
Don't get me wrong I think there is definitely a need for the scheme, my grievance comes with the fact that high end cars are part of said scheme. Everyone needs the ability to get around I just don't see there is a need for the working community to subsidise such extravagance when they themselves are not able to afford it.
As I understand it, anything over and above the state allowance has to be paid for by the person who's "bought" it. So it doesn't impact the state coffers any more than buying a Dacia Duster.
A Dacia Sandero Stepway costs 16k new and is in the no extra to pay bracket, the Mustang is 52k new with only a 6k payment. That leaves 30k to be found from state funds so I would definitely argue that is not the whole story.
The £80 per week is payable by the government/ taxpayers. If the disabled person spends it on taxis & buses perhaps ice cream or a mobility car, the £80 is paid. The £6k is paid by the disabled person from money they have earnt, saved, inherited or been gifted etc. It does not come from the government/taxpayer. I have no problem that some disabled people have a Mustang Mach E or a Citroen Aygo. Do you consider the £80 per week a huge extravagance? This is the money that the working community are paying to those who cannot walk/move by themselves 20 metres.
Hi bud, maybe I'm not articulating myself well enough. As I say I have no problem with the scheme per se and no you're right, that £80 is not a problem. My problem is the extra that the government, and by extension taxpayer, is subsidising for the higher end vehicles. Taking my previous example, the Dacia vs Mustang, there is a shortfall of 30k between the two options even taking into account the personal contribution of 6k. For both vehicles the recipient will pay their weekly £80 payment but it still leaves that 30k or equivalent (vehicle depending) shortfall and it is that I have an issue with.
OK you think the government/taxpayer are paying more when a disabled person has the more expensive car, but they/ we are not. The government contribution is the *£80 per week. If the car manufacturer makes a good deal to the Mobility scheme thats down to them. * I imagine the government lets Mobility of some VAT (I'm just guessing they have charity type status) so I suppose the taxpayer is not getting those taxes paid into the public purse?
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