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  "path": "/lifestyle/cars/labour-motability-changes-new-laws-costs",
  "publishedAt": "2026-04-06T05:00:02.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Jersey ditches petrol and diesel 2030 car ban after public revolt causes major U-turn",
    "JLR sales bounce back after major cyber attack impacted vital UK car giant",
    "Drivers risk being pushed off roads as Labour unveils 'better connected' transport shake-up",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nLabour has been urged to cancel upcoming rule changes to Motability vehicles, after campaigners warned the plans could hit disabled people's independence and finances.\n\nA fast-growing public petition has already passed 21,000 signatures, calling on ministers to halt the reforms before they come into force in July.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nSupporters warned that the changes, announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves at the Autumn Budget, will make it more expensive for many disabled people to access a car through the Motability Scheme.\n\nAt the centre of the row are new tax measures and rule changes affecting future leases.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFrom July 1, VAT will apply to some additional payments on higher-value vehicles, while Insurance Premium Tax will also be extended to many Motability leases.\n\nThe petition stated: \"We believe this is unfair to the most vulnerable in society and could affect their independence.\n\n\"Many disabled people earn considerably less than average, and a cost increase could mean they struggle to get a car.\"\n\nCampaigners argued that cars are not a luxury for disabled people but a necessity.\n\nMany rely on them for even the shortest journeys, particularly if walking is difficult or impossible.\n\nIt added: \"Many disabled people also need to use their car for short journeys, where others may be able to walk, and mileage soon adds up because of this.\"\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThere are also concerns about people living in rural areas, where public transport options can be limited or non-existent.\n\nThe petition highlighted that while some cities may have alternatives, a lack of transport links elsewhere \"may potentially take people's independence away\".\n\nUnder the plans, the tax changes will apply to new leases from July, meaning existing customers will not be affected straight away.\n\nHowever, they could face higher costs when their current agreements end.\n\n### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS\n\n\n\n\n  * Jersey ditches petrol and diesel 2030 car ban after public revolt causes major U-turn\n  * JLR sales bounce back after major cyber attack impacted vital UK car giant\n  * Drivers risk being pushed off roads as Labour unveils 'better connected' transport shake-up\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nGovernment figures suggested some users may respond by switching to cheaper vehicles, while others could leave the scheme entirely if it becomes unaffordable.\n\nMinisters explained that the changes are designed to improve fairness and bring the scheme in line with the wider leasing market, while still protecting those with the greatest needs.\n\nBut critics said the reforms risk disproportionately affecting disabled people, who make up the entire user base of the scheme.\n\nThe Motability Scheme itself has acknowledged the impact of the tax changes and said it is making adjustments to remain sustainable.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThese include a standard mileage allowance of 30,000 miles over three years for most customers, and 50,000 miles over five years for wheelchair-accessible vehicles.\n\nMotability's Chief Executive Andrew Miller defended the changes, saying: \"It's about fixing and maintaining us for many, many years to come\".\n\nHe added that the organisation's priority is to \"protect what matters most in your lease\" and \"maintain the good value of the Scheme\".\n\nThe Government must respond to the petition after it has passed 10,000 signatures. If it reaches 100,000, it will be considered for a debate in Parliament.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "Labour urged to scrap Motability changes as thousands face new laws and costs"
}