Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask His Majesty's Government what are the criteria for providing from public funds to those not in employment, but not physically disabled, with a car; how many such vehicles were provided in the year to April 2024; and at what cost to the public purse.

Individuals who receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA) higher rate mobility component, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) enhanced-rate mobility component, Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) or War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement (WPMS) are eligible to join the Motability Scheme. In exchange for part or all of their mobility component they receive a leased car, wheelchair or powered chair/scooter. The Department for Work and Pensions facilitates the transfer of the DLA, PIP and AFIP to Motability. WPMS is transferred by the Ministry of Defence.

Recipients of these benefits may be employed or not and can have both physical and mental health conditions.

We do not hold figures on the numbers of vehicles provided in the year to April 2024. There is no cost to the public purse for the Motability Scheme.