James Evans MS welcomes Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch’s announcement that, if they form the next UK Government, Motability cars will be reserved for those with serious disabilities only, targeting the scheme's explosive growth and spiralling costs.
The Motability Scheme allows disabled people who receive a qualifying mobility allowance, such as the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or the Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), to lease a car.
The scheme now serves over 800,000 customers across the United Kingdom. However, the cost and scale have surged, with the customer base growing from 629,000 in 2017 to 860,000 as of March 2025. This massive expansion means the scheme now accounts for about 10% of all new car sales in the UK, costing taxpayers an estimated £2.5 billion annually.
In a keynote speech to the Conservative Party Conference, Kemi Badenoch confirmed the policy shift aimed at restoring the scheme’s original focus.
James Evans MS, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social care, said:
“I wholeheartedly welcome this announcement from Kemi Badenoch. This is about protecting a vital lifeline for those who need it most and stopping the shameful wastage that has plagued the system.
“The Motability programme was established to support people with the most serious disabilities to live independently and with dignity. It was absolutely not designed to be taken advantage of, where we see taxpayers stumping up for new cars for those without genuine, life-altering needs. This out-of-control expansion and the sheer scale of the annual cost demonstrate a scheme that has become over-used and under-scrutinised.
“Ensuring that vehicles are strictly reserved for those who truly rely on them will help safeguard the scheme for the future, bring the spiralling costs under control, and keep it focused squarely on its original, compassionate purpose."
Abolishing Tax Barriers to Homeownership
James Evans MS also praised the announcement on tax cuts for home buyers:
“I am equally pleased that the next Conservative Government would abolish Stamp Duty for main home purchases. This is a crucial step that will give first-time buyers a genuine chance to finally get on the property ladder and allow those already owning homes to upsize or downsize without incurring a massive tax bill.
“Here in Wales, the Welsh Conservatives will immediately scrap the equivalent tax, the Land Transaction Tax (LTT), for primary residences. The Welsh Labour Government, aided by Plaid Cymru, has made home ownership increasingly difficult and unaffordable for young people, while also making downsizing a great challenge for older people. This forms a vital part of the Welsh Conservative plans to fix our housing crisis and our wider mission to Fix Wales.”
