Question
I welcome the recent revision to the way the Motability changes are set to be delivered, which will ensure that people can apply for a mileage allowance if they are making journeys for healthcare, education, employment or other essential needs. There is also an automatic increase of up to 3,000 miles for rural users, which will go some way towards reducing the otherwise unfair impact of the changes on those living in rural areas. I am grateful for the representations of Labour Rural Research Group colleagues on this issue, and I am grateful to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions for his nuanced approach, but what further steps are Ministers taking to support disabled travellers in rural areas?
Answer
My hon. Friend makes a very important point, and I join him in welcoming the announcement by Motability, particularly to help drivers in rural areas. He will have heard what I said about the extension of the time at which the free bus pass can be used, starting from 1 April. Let me also point him to the fact that the Department for Transport is providing £10.5 million in 2026-27, including an additional £1.9 million this year, to support mobility centres around the country, which help disabled drivers, including those in rural areas, to stay mobile.
Verdict: AMBER (42/100)
The reply gives one concrete, direct commitment: £10.5 million for 2026-27, including an extra £1.9 million for mobility centres that help disabled drivers in rural areas. It only partly answers the question, though, because that support is aimed mainly at drivers rather than rural travellers in general. The Motability announcement comes from a third party, and the bus pass extension is an existing measure that is not specific to rural areas. The person asking would have some specific information but would likely need to ask again about rural travel more broadly.
How we got there
| Question item | Coverage | Specificity | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| What further steps the Government is taking to support disabled travellers in rural areas, beyond the measures already announced. | Partially Addressed | Direct | The reply names a concrete further step, £10.5 million for 2026-27 including an additional £1.9 million to support mobility centres that explicitly help disabled drivers in rural areas. However, it mainly covers drivers rather than rural travellers generally, the Motability announcement is a third-party initiative, and the bus pass extension (statement 4) is a measure already announced and not rural-specific. |