Rachel Reeves Motability changes forces wheelchair | Tech News

A disabled instructor has claimed she will probably be compelled to remain at home as soon as Rachel Reeves’ new Motability scheme changes come into impact. Kay Millar, 29, who makes use of a wheelchair, mentioned she will probably be unable to work as soon as new guidelines come into impact this summer time.

Under the present system, motorists can drive up to 60,000 miles earlier than a 5p-per-mile charge is utilized. However, from July 1, the Government will introduce new utilization guidelines, with street customers going through a new 10,000-mile-per-year mileage restrict. Under the changes, drivers who exceed 30,000 miles over a three-year lease period should pay 25p per extra mile.

According to estimates, the scheme’s average consumer will need to cough up an further £400 in a staggering blow, which Kay warns may drive people to remain indoors. Kay defined that her present lease is due in November however that she will not be capable to afford the extra mileage.

The instructor, who has limb paralysis and a motion dysfunction, has travelled 42,000 miles in two and a half years. Under the new rule, Kay could possibly be chargeable for an extra £3,000 in charges.

Kay mentioned: “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. I will not be able to have a job or see my friends. Without a large car, I won’t be able to get out of the house.

“If I do (leave the house), it’ll cause such significant pain, fatigue and discomfort that it’s not going to be worth it. This change is not only going to force people out of driving but out of work, and I believe people will lose their lives due to mental health.”

Rachel Reeves announced changes to the Motability scheme in her November 2025 Budget as part of plans to save £1billion per year. A Motability spokesperson stressed that the majority of motorists under the Motability scheme already travel under the new mileage thresholds.

They said: “In November, the UK Government announced new taxes for the Motability Scheme, which would mean an average £1,100 increase to lease prices from July.

“We know how important a vehicle is for our customers to live independently, which is why we’ve made changes to new leases from July to reduce the increase to £400 on average. Existing leases are not affected.

“Changing the mileage allowance of future leases lowers insurance and maintenance costs and increases the vehicle’s resale cost, which reduces the cost of a lease. Around three in four people who use the scheme travel within the mileage allowance from July.

“We understand that, in some circumstances, you may need to drive more than the mileage allowance included in your lease. We will be introducing an exceptions process for very limited situations and will share an update before July 1.”

Express.co.uk has contacted The Treasury for remark.