The Motability scheme, a government-backed program helping disabled people access cars, has once again made headlines—but this time, not for its support of mobility.
Controversy erupted after it was revealed that the scheme’s chief executive, Andrew Miller, received a substantial pay rise and bonus, drawing criticism from the public.
Andrew Miller’s Salary Soars
Andrew Miller, 59, took home a staggering £924,000 this year, including a £300,000 bonus.
His package also featured a £21,000 car allowance and private medical coverage.
This marks a roughly 25 percent increase from the previous year, when he earned £748,000.
His base pay alone rose by nine percent, exceeding half a million pounds, despite the scheme facing scrutiny over luxury car access for benefit claimants.
Motability’s Revenue Growth
The latest accounts show that Motability’s revenues from renting vehicles jumped 25 percent to £3.5 billion, fueled by rising demand from people receiving personal independence payments (PIP).
The scheme now serves over 890,000 people and accounts for around one in six new cars sold in the UK.
Motability allows claimants to swap their mobility allowance for a leased car, with VAT and insurance premiums exempted.
Luxury Cars Stir Public Outcry
While many rely on Motability vehicles for essential travel, critics argue that the scheme lets people with less severe conditions, such as anxiety or depression, access taxpayer-funded luxury cars.
Public backlash has already forced the removal of high-end brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Alfa Romeo, and Lexus.
Even Chancellor Rachel Reeves admitted that offering these cars to benefits claimants was “unfair.”
Wheelchair Adaptations and Vehicle Distribution
Recent figures indicate that about 10 percent of cars leased through Motability are wheelchair-adapted.
Overall, around one in six new cars in the UK this year were leased via the scheme, but regional variations exist.
In Wales, 33 percent of new cars were Motability vehicles, while the North East accounted for 26 percent and London 24 percent.
Premium Choices and Additional Fees
The scheme has faced further criticism after it was revealed that 85 percent of claimants were paying extra to access higher-end vehicles.
Motability has pledged to phase out luxury models, requiring current BMW and Mercedes drivers to switch to other brands when updating their vehicles.
Future Goals and UK-Made Cars
Looking ahead, Motability plans to increase the use of UK-manufactured cars, targeting 2035 as the first year when half of its leased vehicles will be British.
Although the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) does not directly fund the scheme, claimants use their mobility allowance to access cars.
CEO Background and Justification for Pay
Andrew Miller, formerly of the Guardian Media Group, has overseen Motability’s total revenue of £7.1 billion this year, split between vehicle leasing and the sale of used cars.
Motability has defended his pay rise, citing the “complexity” of his role, including navigating the transition to electric vehicles and managing a multi-billion-pound organization during a period of significant change.
Motability’s Statement
A spokesperson emphasized that the scheme’s priority remains connecting disabled people to independence.
They added that Motability has managed costs effectively despite inflation and will continue adapting to recent tax changes that will return £1 billion to taxpayers, all while maintaining mobility options for disabled people.
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