PS. I’m not arguing for benefits to be restricted by employment status. Work is not a net good or a moral imperative imho.

If you read a news report suggesting the scheme is an unaffordable luxury, check for evidence/sources.

Sources: 1. Oxford Economics Report (2021) 2. Motability Operations Annual Report 2024
3. Motability Operations Half-Year Report 2025

Blog to follow.

The government is considering removing tax breaks from motability cars in the 2025 budget, which would increase user costs by £3000-£6500 per vehicle. That is money I simply don’t have.

It is a net gain for the economy. Ask me if this is news to you, or if there is anything I can debunk for you about the scheme.

It does not cost the government money. The £3 billion+ in mobility benefits and £1.2 billion in tax reliefs are offset by a £4.3 billion GDP contribution and £1.50 return per £1 spent.

That helps me to learn more about what it is like to work at train stations and the people helping to me learn more about what it is like commuting and working as a wheelchair user.

5) Whenever I campaign about #accessibletravel, I’m mainly talking about transforming the systems. Many folks working at train stations are lovely, and when the system works, like this morning, we can build a good working relationship which makes all of our lives more enjoyable.

4) I am aware that this was a quiet station on a good day. But busyness & circumstances aren’t an excuse for discrimination. good systems, appropriate staffing levels & evidence-based forward planning would mean that staff & customers don’t end up in stressful and dangerous situations.

3) The calling ahead is really important because busy stations like King’s Cross often have lots of passenger assists to do and people can get forgotten quite easily.

2) If the folks at the help desk hadn’t recognised me, I know (from past experience) they would have politely asked my name, confirmed my destination, and asked if I would like someone to come to the platform with me.

Notes for those who are interested in the detail:

1) While I was waiting I also saw one of the flat access trains to Stansted, which was really exciting. I hope that these are standard soon. #AccessForAll

When I got there, the person on that platform said hi and remarked on the weather. After a brief cheery chat she said she would get the ramp for me when the train came. The train came, I got on, we wished each other a good day, and she phoned ahead to King’s Cross to let them know I was coming.

I arrived at the station. The person at the help desk noticed me arrive and said “Hi Alex, I’ll let them know you’re here.” I said thank you and, as there were no customers waiting, we had a pleasant conversation for a few moments before I grabbed a coffee and headed over to the platform.

#disability #benefits #pip

The fact that this system is so broken worries me even more given laws currently going through our government which will only even approach being safe with a properly functioning health and social care system.