Lib Dems demand emergency summit on Motability crisis

Liberal Democrats are to calling on the Government to hold an emergency summit with key disability groups into the growing crisis with PIP reassessments and Motability.

Liberal Democrat Disability Champion, Baroness Celia Thomas has tabled a motion in the House of Lords calling on the Government to meet with representatives from Disability Rights UK and the Disability Benefits Consortium to discuss the need for changes to rules governing access to Motability cars wheelchairs, and scooters for disabled people.

Changes to the Personal Independence Payments rules and the reassessments have meant that thousands of disabled people have already lost eligibility for a Motability vehicle, with many thousands set to join them in the coming months.

The loss of Motability cars has had a significant impact on the ability of disabled people to live independent lives, including in some cases people no longer being able to travel to work, university courses or training.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat peer Celia Thomas said:

"The new Work and Pensions Secretary, Stephen Crabb, promised a more compassionate approach to benefits, but has so far ignored the damage that is being done to disability people's independence by the PIP reassessment process. He needs to start listening to those who understand the problems that losing a Motability vehicle are causing"

"This isn't just about what benefits disabled people are getting. It is about the ability of working disabled people to travel to work, for those in rural areas to get to the shops, for disabled parents to take their kids to school. It is fundamental to their independence.

"My motion, if accepted, will send a powerful message to the Government to come to the table to discuss the situation with those who know what's going on. Forcing people to hand back their cars not because they have got better but because the test has got harsher is both cruel and self-defeating. We need urgent action to solve this crisis."