DWP confirms future of Blue Badges and free bus travel after new PIP changes

In the wake of impending welfare reforms set for next year, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has reassured Personal Independence Payment (PIP)claimants that their access to additional support services like Blue Badges, concessionary travel or Carer's Allowance will not change.

Addressing the House in a recent session, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall responded to MPs' concerns, confirming that the 3.7 million people who receive up to £749.80 every four weeks will maintain their current level of entitlement without disruption. Labour MP Dr Lauren Sullivan of Gravesham sought clarification on how future changes might influence PIP's role as a gateway to other benefits.

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She asked: "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.

"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?".

Ms Kendall assured the chamber, saying: "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."

Last week, Danny Kruger, the Tory MP for East Wiltshire, urged the DWP to re-evaluate the Motability Scheme as part of the broader benefits overhaul proposed by the Government. He raised concerns during parliamentary questions on June 23, highlighted by the shadow minister's prompt to senior DWP figures.

Mr Kruger spoke out about the scheme: "One area where the Government do not seem to be looking for savings is in the Motability scheme," he insisted. "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."

He also mentioned that one in five new cars sold are secured through the Motability scheme, which is "costing taxpayers nearly £3 billion a year."

He questioned the Government's oversight, saying: "I know that the Minister will blame us (Conservative party) for the system, but the fact is that the Government are not even looking at Motability. They have had a year, and it is their policy now.

"Will the Minister commit to a proper review of the Motability scheme, and if not, why not?"

Sir Stephen Timms, minister for Social Security and Disability, in response to the shadow Minister's comments, saying: "I am not sure whether the shadow Minister wants me to go further or not so far - he seems to be facing both ways.

"He is right that we are not at this point proposing any changes to the Motability scheme."

This scheme is pivotal for individuals who receive a higher or enhanced rate of mobility component as part of their disability benefit, enabling them to lease new cars, wheelchair-accessible vehicles, scooters, or powered wheelchairs.

On top of a brand-new vehicle, customers can relish extra perks including insurance, breakdown cover, all-inclusive servicing, maintenance, tyre services, and windscreen repair, reports Plymouth Live.

The scheme, which doesn't fall under the DWP's control but is supported through a direct transfer of payments from claimants' awards, showcases an expansive choice with over 800 vehicles listed in their latest catalogue.

For those opting into this comprehensive scheme, it is highlighted that the higher rate of mobility component within the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) stands at £77.05 weekly, totalling around £308.20 per four-week interval.

The most recent figures from Motability Operations, the charity responsible for the Motability Scheme, reveal that there are presently 815,000 customers throughout the UK.

The scheme, also known as the Accessible Vehicles and Equipment Scheme for those receiving devolved disability benefits like Adult Disability Payment (ADP) or Child Disability Payment (CDP), offers an affordable solution for disabled individuals to enhance their outdoor mobility.