Motability, the charity which runs the support scheme for vehicles, recently revealed more than 50,000 people have had their cars reclaimed since Personal Independence Payment (PIP) was launched in 2013, replacing Disability Living Allowance (DLA).

Alex Thorburn, a Director of the Scottish Disability Equality Forum, believes the move away from the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is leaving vulnerable people stranded. Please note that the views expressed by Alex do not necessarily reflect the views of the Scottish Disability Equality Forum.

“The new PIP system can see adapted vehicles removed within 10 days of people being informed. You can appeal but that can take up to nine months or even a year. From that moment people may be totally stuck in their home. They might not be able to go shopping for food and may end up losing their jobs.”

“I have had cases in Dumfries and Galloway where people have had to move from their homes in the countryside to come into town because they have lost their cars. The fact that 65 per cent of people who appeal eventually have the decision upheld shows the new assessment is not fit for purpose. But by that point they’ve been without a vehicle for months.”