Former Pensions Secretary Blasts Prime Minister over Motability Failures

Peter Hain called on David Cameron to stop his government “acting callously and punitively” against a disabled constituent badly let down by glaring failures in the Motability regulations.

Standing in a heated session of Prime Ministers Questions, the former Secretary of State for Work and Pensions stated: “The Motability car which my severely disabled constituent Mark Francis has had for 11 years is being taken from him in two weeks.”

“Born with Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia, he cannot walk without leg braces and crutches and although he has worked all his life his physical health is now deteriorating by the week.”

The Neath MP went on to ask: “His case is being reconsidered – but that won’t happen for 3 months and meanwhile his car will be callously and punitively snatched by the DWP on 25th February.  Will the PM immediately rectify this disgraceful injustice?”

His constituent, Mr Mark Francis, suffers from a rare disorder known as Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia – this badly affects the muscles in his legs, making it difficult and painful for Mr Francis to walk, he must use crutches as a consequence.

Mr Francis began using a Motability car in 2004, however after recently being transferred from Disability Living Allowance to Personal Independence Payments, he was shocked to discover that he was no longer considered eligible for the higher rate of Motability payment.

He received a letter from the Department of Work and Pensions notifying him of its intention to take away his Motability car by the 25th of February.

Mr Hain said; “this is systematic of the DWP under this government, unable to fully think through its regulations. Mr Francis was badly let down during his PIP assessment, now he’s being unfairly penalised. Despite having launched an appeal against the decisions made against him, he’s still having his car taken away – badly hampering his quality of life.”