The confirmation follows a parliamentary question about the impact of reduced mileage allowances on disabled people living in rural communities. Around 860,000 disabled people across the UK are connected to the Motability Scheme, which enables eligible benefit recipients to lease vehicles through their mobility allowances.
Additional Mileage Support for Healthcare, Education and Employment
According to the Birmingham Mail, DWP minister Sir Stephen Timms confirmed the arrangements in a parliamentary response on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, following a question from Plaid Cymru MP Liz Saville Roberts.
The MP, who represents Dwyfor Meirionnydd, asked what discussions the Government had held with Motability about the potential consequences of reduced mileage allowances for disabled people living in rural areas.
In his response, Sir Stephen explained that Motability had introduced additional mileage support from 1 July 2026 for customers whose essential journeys exceed the standard mileage allowance.
The arrangements apply to customers who can demonstrate that they require more than 3,000 miles annually for healthcare, education or employment purposes. Approved mileage beyond that threshold may qualify for reduced excess mileage charges.
The distinction between essential and other travel is explicit. Journeys undertaken for leisure or holidays are excluded from this particular support arrangement, which is intended for customers with higher travel requirements linked to specific everyday needs.
Customers can request the support when ordering a vehicle or at any point during an existing lease. Applications are assessed individually, with eligibility determined by personal circumstances and supporting evidence.
The minister’s response also clarified that the additional mileage arrangement does not automatically apply to everyone receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA). It is available to Motability customers who satisfy the relevant conditions.
Rural Customers May Receive Another 3,000 Miles Annually
A separate provision addresses the longer journeys often associated with living in remote communities. Under this arrangement, certain Motability customers in the most rural areas can receive an additional 3,000 miles per year on their leases.
According to Sir Stephen’s parliamentary response, the scheme recognises that residents in particularly rural locations frequently travel further to reach everyday services, including shops, healthcare facilities and educational establishments.
Motability Operations has identified eligible areas using information supplied by national governments. The assessment considers typical journey times to services people regularly depend upon, including grocery shopping, healthcare and education.
The geographical approach distinguishes this provision from the support available for essential journeys exceeding 3,000 miles annually. One concerns customers’ documented travel requirements, while the other addresses the accessibility of services in particular rural locations.
The Birmingham Mail also reported that responsibility for the scheme’s terms and administration remains with the Motability Foundation and its Board of Governors. Sir Stephen confirmed that DWP officials meet regularly with Motability to review how the scheme operates and whether it meets disabled people’s needs.
He reiterated that Motability operates independently of the Government. Decisions concerning grants, eligibility, lease conditions, mileage allowances and support arrangements therefore remain matters for Motability rather than the DWP.
