Many disabled motorists qualify for a Blue Badge when they receive a sufficiently high award through the PIP mobility component. Any future changes to eligibility rules could affect some new applicants, although the government has said that no changes will be introduced before the review is complete.
The PIP mobility component is also connected to the Motability Scheme, where eligible people can exchange part of their benefit payment for a vehicle lease. The possible impact on existing users has drawn attention as the government considers the future structure of PIP.
PIP Mobility Rules Under Government Review
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is reviewing PIP through what has been described as the Timms Review. According to the DWP, the review aims to ensure that PIP remains “fair and fit for the future” and continues to support disabled people in areas including independence and living standards.
The review covers both the daily living and mobility elements of PIP. Baroness Sherlock and Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms have both stated that the mobility element is included within the review. Sir Stephen Timms said: “The PIP mobility element is in scope of the Timms Review, which aims to ensure PIP is fair and fit for the future.”
He added that the review would involve disabled people and their organisations, with lived experience included in discussions. The minister also said that changes to PIP eligibility, including the mobility element, would not be made until the review had concluded. According to DWP data reported by the Express, just over three million PIP claimants receive either the standard or enhanced rate of the mobility component. The figures include 1,961,029 people receiving the enhanced mobility award and 1,111,219 receiving the standard rate.
Potential Links Between PIP, Blue Badges and Motability Vehicles
The PIP mobility component plays a role in several forms of support used by disabled people. Those receiving the enhanced mobility rate can choose to use their payment to access a Motability vehicle instead of receiving the money directly.
According to the figures provided in the report, the enhanced mobility payment is £80 per week, while the standard mobility rate is £30.30 per week. The enhanced mobility award also provides access to the Motability option.
The Motability Scheme is currently being reviewed alongside wider changes affecting vehicle leases. Changes introduced in England and Wales from July 1 included ending VAT relief on top-up payments for more expensive vehicles and applying Insurance Premium Tax to leases. Scotland’s equivalent Accessible Vehicles and Equipment Scheme introduced changes from September 1.
The report states that people with existing Motability leases are not expected to be affected and that current lease terms are not expected to change. The outcome of the PIP review is expected later in the autumn, with any decisions to be considered afterwards.
For those applying for PIP, eligibility remains based on how a health condition or disability affects daily living activities and mobility. The assessment process uses a scoring system to measure the impact of a person’s condition on specific tasks. Applicants must generally be aged 16 or over and expect their difficulties to continue for at least 12 months.
