§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the criteria are for eligibility for exemption from taxation of vehicles used by disabled people; whether such exemption will be extended to non-disabled people who make occasional use of the vehicle; and what evidence there is of abuse of the concession. [59064]
§ Mr. JamiesonI have been asked to reply.
Eligibility for exemption from paying Vehicle Excise Duty is available in respect of vehicles kept or used for the purposes of those claiming disability living allowance at the higher rate or war pensioners' mobility supplement. There are in addition a number of people who claim exemption under the former Disabled Passenger Scheme via attendance allowance. This was abolished in 1993 but those entitled to exemption from paying Vehicle Excise Duty at the time have remained eligible.
There are no plans to extend eligibility for the exemption.
It has long been recognised that there is potential for abuse of the system. The responsibility for addressing abuse lies with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and the Department for Work and Pensions. Approximately 250 cases per month are referred to DVLA for investigation, but in no more than a handful of cases each year is the entitlement rescinded.