Disability Rights UK (DRUK) has called for reform of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) rules following a BBC News report on the number of disabled people who have had their specially adapted vehicles taken away since Disability Living Allowance (DLA) was replaced with PIP in 2013.
The BBC report detailed figures provided by the charity Muscular Dystrophy UK which claims that “51,000 people have had vehicles taken away [since 2013]… and 900 cars are now being taken away every week.”
The BBC write that “Nic Bungay, director of campaigns, care and information at Muscular Dystrophy UK, said: “Each of the 51,000 vehicles being taken away is a story about a disabled person’s independence being compromised.”
“This is having a devastating effect on quality of life. The fact that two-thirds of people who contest their PIP award win their case shows that the system isn’t working and is in urgent need of reform.”
DRUK states that “the removal of Motability cars from disabled people who rely on them has devastated their independence, in many cases removed their ability to work and meant they are effectively housebound.”
Have you lost access to your Motability vehicle since being reassessed for PIP, or do you know someone who has and what’s been the effect? Let us know in the comments below or over on our Facebook page.
