Kay Millar, a 29-year-old teacher from Frome, Somerset, who uses a wheelchair, says sweeping changes to the Motability scheme threaten to confine her to her home. The updated rules, coming into effect later this year, will reduce mileage allowances and sharply increase charges for exceeding them, making it impossible for her to continue working or maintain her active lifestyle.
Kay, an avid athlete and aspiring play therapist, relies on her adapted Vauxhall Groundland to transport her assistance dog, wheelchairs, and equipment. Having limb paralysis and a movement disorder, she depends on the vehicle for mobility, social engagement, and employment. However, with new restrictions limiting mileage to 10,000 miles per year and charging 25p for every mile beyond 30,000 over a three-year lease, she faces potential extra costs of around £3,000—far beyond her means.
“The scary thing is we’ve fought for many years to get disabled people functioning in society, and this decision is forcing people back into their homes,” Kay explained. “I won’t be able to have a job or see my friends. Without a large car, I can’t leave the house. Even if I do, it’ll cause significant pain and fatigue.”
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Her current lease allows 60,000 miles before a 5p-per-mile charge applies, but after driving 42,000 miles in two and a half years, the new rules would impose substantial fees she cannot afford. The changes come as the government levies new taxes on Motability leases, prompting the scheme to adjust costs amid the removal of luxury brands last year.
Kay’s lifestyle demands frequent long journeys for work, sport, and familial support. She teaches children across multiple counties, participates in wheelchair basketball, and pursues para-surfing opportunities. Health setbacks, including two heart attacks, have reduced her ability to teach full-time and income levels.
She fears these changes jeopardize her plans to start a master’s course in play therapy, a field she aims to enter due to medical advice ruling out full-time teaching. Kay also discounts public transport as unsafe and inaccessible for her needs.
“We’re seeing a situation that could push disabled people out of workplaces and social life, with profound mental health consequences,” she added. “Anyone could become disabled. This impacts not only individuals but the workforce and economy.”
Motability responded, acknowledging the UK government’s new taxes, which would have added £1,100 to lease prices. To mitigate this, they reduced the average increase to £400 by tightening mileage allowances, which lowers insurance and maintenance costs and improves vehicle resale values.
The scheme noted that most users travel within the new limits and plans to introduce an exceptions process for those with exceptional mileage needs. Existing leases remain unaffected.