Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the grade of the official in the Department of Work and Pensions who has regular contact with the charity Motability in connection with the supply of motor vehicles leased using a social security benefit as payment.

When an eligible claimant elects to join the Motability Scheme the Department facilitates the transfer of their benefit payment to Motability. The Department makes no financial contributions to the Motability charity or Motability Operations and the Accounting Officer would not, therefore routinely meet the trustees of the charity Motability.

In order to ensure eligible claimants receive an appropriate level of support, and to suggest ways to improve the support provided by Motability, senior civil servants have regular contact with the charity Motability.

The Minister for Disabled People, Health & Work had an introductory meeting with the Chairman of Motability in January 2018. Ministers do not routinely engage directly with Motability Operations, as this is an independent company, which Motability oversees.