Minister cracks down on DLA cheats

The Department of Social Development have announced new measures to crack down on people who cheat the Motability Scheme, which provides cars to the disabled.

The final report from the Motability Task Force which is made up of departmental officials and Motability representatives, was set up to consider ways making the scheme less open to abuse and makes recommendations which the Department will implement in partnership with Motability and other agencies.

Speaking following the publication of a report into abuse of the Motability Scheme in Northern Ireland, the Minister for Social Development, Nigel Dodds said: “Protecting the Motability Scheme is something that I and my department are fully committed to.”

Currently the Motability Scheme is accessed through the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) administered by the Social Security Agency. As a result of the recommendations made by the Taskforce new steps have been put in place that aim to reduce the risk of fraud within the scheme.

Among the actions that will be undertaken to help safeguard the scheme from cheats are:

• removal of drivers with a poor insurance claims history



• increased vetting of driver and hirer information at application



• additional checks on vehicle use will be carried out



• a review of dealership accreditation processes

Minister Dodds said: “The Motability Scheme provides an opportunity for those people with a disability to improve their quality of life and expand their world by making them mobile. While preventing abuse of the scheme it is important that we also ensure those who need and deserve help through Motability obtain it.”

However, the report revealed that of the 77,000 higher rate DLA recipients in Northern Ireland some 22,300 take advantage of these arrangements. (AMcE)