Accessible Vehicles Scheme: disability benefits evaluation

Executive Summary

The Annex (Research to inform the evaluation of the Accessible Vehicles and Equipment Scheme in the context of the devolved disability benefits)

Background

In Scotland, the Accessible Vehicles and Equipment (AVE) Scheme is replacing the Motability Scheme which provides vehicles and equipment for people receiving Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) disability benefits. The AVE Scheme enables people who receive the higher rate mobility component of Child Disability Payment (CDP) or the enhanced rate mobility component of Adult Disability Payment (ADP) from Social Security Scotland to use this component of their benefit payments to lease an accessible vehicle or mobility equipment.

This report presents findings from an evaluation of the AVE Scheme. It aims to: understand whether clients' and providers' experiences of the AVE Scheme are in line with policy commitments; to understand progress towards the short-, medium-, and long-term outcomes of the AVE Scheme; and to understand how the Scheme can be improved for clients and providers in order to ensure that the policy commitments are being implemented as intended.

This research is part of a wider programme of work evaluating the impact of policy change in the devolution of disability benefits.

The evaluation largely covers the period between July 2023 to February 2024, and draws data from a number of sources including:

• A survey of eligible non-members
• Interviews with members and eligible non-members
• Interviews with providers and dealers
• Analysis of data from Social Security Scotland's Client Survey
• Secondary analysis of Social Security Scotland's ADP and CDP Official Statistics

Key findings

Short-term outcomes

What's working well?

• There is evidence that awareness of the AVE Scheme is increasing, with take up of the Scheme amongst new ADP and CDP applicants increasing over time.
• Members who transferred from a previous lease had a smooth transition.
• Members and non-members (who were aware of the Scheme) had a positive view of the Scheme, feeling it is good value for money and offers a good range of choice.
• There is evidence that the Scheme is meeting the mobility needs of members.
• Members felt they were treated with dignity fairness and respect in interactions with Social Security Scotland and dealers and providers.
• Providers felt the application process was efficient and that they received good support.

What are the challenges?

• There is a lack of awareness amongst eligible non-members, both of the Scheme itself but also of the change to the AVE Scheme.
• For non-members who were aware, there was some evidence of misunderstandings of the Scheme, for example: that it only provided cars; was only for older people or those with physical disabilities; that people who accessed the Scheme automatically gave up their entire CDP or ADP assistance, not just the mobility component, to pay for the vehicle or equipment; that the Scheme only provided adapted vehicles; and that the vehicle could only be used by the disabled person.
• For members, there was evidence of a perceived lack of choice of vehicles, especially with larger or wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
• Some members had had negative experiences with dealers, with some reporting that they seemed disinterested, or demonstrated a poor understanding of disabilities or health conditions.
• Providers felt that the accreditation process could be improved by providing more information, helping them plan for capacity, and simplifying terminology.

Medium-term outcomes

What's working well?

• There was evidence that the AVE Scheme was enhancing independence for disabled people and making it easier for them to complete journeys.
• There was also evidence that members felt that the Scheme was giving them a sense of freedom, and some suggestions that it was helping to improve wellbeing, through a reduction in stress but also enabling members to access opportunities that would otherwise be difficult such as hobbies and interests.
• There was some evidence for the Scheme enabling people to access or continue to access employment or education.
• Members generally trusted the Scheme, and there was evidence that they felt that the aims of the Scheme itself were embedded in principles of dignity, fairness, and respect.
• Generally, members had had positive dealings with dealers and providers.

What are the challenges?

• A small number of members identified some issues around servicing and customer care, such as accessing a dealer - specifically in rural areas – and tyre replacements.
• There was some concern from members about the implications of changing conditions on their ability to access the Scheme.
• Providers also had concerns about changing conditions, for example being left with specialised equipment if a member's condition changed.

Long-term outcomes

What's working well?

• There is evidence of members' positive experiences with Social Security Scotland, and with the dealers and providers involved in the Scheme, which could contribute towards trust in public services.
• There is some evidence that suggests the AVE Scheme may be helping to bridge the mobility gap, such as an increase in take up of the Scheme, combined with members reporting improved mobility.

What are the challenges?

• More data is needed to evidence progress towards long-term outcomes.

• Trust in Social Security Scotland will take time to develop and will be impacted by a variety of interactions.

Recommendations and Observations

Recommendations

1. Consider ways in which to increase the awareness of the Scheme for eligible non-members, including reviewing the communications that go out with the CDP and ADP award letters.

2. Consider ways in which to increase the knowledge around the Scheme for eligible non-members, particularly around eligibility, affordability, financial assistance, and the full range of equipment and package of services available.

3. Explore the possibility of further research focused on the types of vehicles and equipment that members or potential members would value, and compare this with what is available in the Scheme.

4. Consider ways to encourage more providers to apply for the Scheme and continue to work with potential providers to improve understanding of the accreditation process, especially around information provided, helping them plan for capacity, and simplifying terminology.

5. Strengthen evaluation of policy commitments, continue to consider the measurement and monitoring of long-term policy outcomes, especially around take-up, to ensure barriers are being addressed.

Observations

1. A small number of members identified some issues around servicing and customer care and the length of time they waited to receive their vehicle after placing an order. While supply chain delays are an issue across the global motor industry that Social Security Scotland and Motability have no control over, they can still affect people's experiences of the Scheme.

2. Some members had had negative experiences with dealers, with some reporting that they seemed disinterested, or demonstrated a poor understanding of disabilities or health conditions.