Accessible Vehicles and Equipment Scheme evaluation - devolved disability benefits: research
We commissioned The Lines Between (TLB) to carry out research in May 2023 to inform a policy impact evaluation of the Accessible Vehicles and Equipment (AVE) Scheme. This report outlines the findings
Appendix 4: Review of logic model outcomes and risks
This Appendix contains a summary of progress towards the outcomes and discussion of the risk factors listed in the AVE Scheme logic model.
Outcomes |
Achieved? |
|---|---|
Short-term |
|
Individuals are aware of the AVE Scheme |
Partially. Chapter 4 outlines low awareness among survey respondents. Interviewee feedback shows that awareness of the Scheme is likely to be higher, but clients are not always aware the pre-AVE Scheme is now known as the AVE Scheme in Scotland. Findings indicate scope to increase awareness of the Scheme, what it includes and how to access it. |
Individuals understand how to access the AVE Scheme |
|
Individuals feel they have adequate choice through the AVE Scheme |
Partially. Members have mixed views of the range of vehicles and equipment available. Choice of vehicle was also influenced by different factors (including timescale and advance payment requirements) (Chapter 5). New providers could help to enhance choice available (Chapter 2). |
Barriers that prevent individuals taking up the AVE Scheme are addressed and reduced |
Partially. Chapter 7 discusses non-members’ reasons for not using the Scheme. These include awareness (Chapter 4), affordability, and a need for a more comprehensive range of vehicles and equipment. (Chapter 8). |
Providers are able to access an efficient application process at regular intervals |
Yes. Providers who applied for accreditation found the process straightforward and praised the Scottish Government for its supportive approach and speed in replying to queries. However, the scale of the application form and concerns around the Scheme’s commercial viability deterred others from applying (Chapter 2). |
All providers offer the same high level of service |
Yes. Motability Operations is currently the only accredited provider of vehicles and equipment. Overall, interviewees were satisfied with what they described as Motability’s high level of service (Chapter 5). |
Experience of the AVE Scheme is in line with values of dignity, fairness, and respect |
Yes. Members provided positive feedback about the dignity, fairness and respect demonstrated by the AVE Scheme and Social Security Scotland more widely (Chapter 5). |
Individuals’ mobility needs are met through the AVE Scheme |
Yes. Members reported enhanced mobility. The Scheme helps them to make journeys more easily (Chapter 6). |
Individuals feel the AVE Scheme offers value for money |
Yes. Members receive a new vehicle as well as road tax, insurance, servicing and breakdown cover for their weekly payment, and, in general, viewed this as good value for money (Chapter 5). |
Individuals have a positive view of the AVE Scheme |
Yes. Members provided positive feedback about the AVE Scheme (Chapters 5 and 6). Non-members reported positive views too, with 52% stating interest in using the Scheme in the future (Chapter 7). |
Individuals experience a smooth transition from the previous pre-AVE Scheme to the AVE Scheme |
Yes. Members who took part in our research reported a smooth transition from the pre-AVE Scheme to the AVE Scheme (Chapter 5). However, it is important to monitor this to ensure the smooth transition continues for new members. |
Medium-term |
|
Disabled people who access the AVE Scheme have improved independence and quality of life |
Yes. Members gave examples of the Scheme helping to improve their independence, by enabling them to make everyday journeys such as traveling to work, school and medical appointments more easily. Positive feedback about quality of life was also evident, with members reporting enhanced ability to go on holidays, day trips and pursue hobbies because of the Scheme (Chapter 6). |
Individuals trust in the AVE Scheme |
Yes. Members view the Scheme positively, describe it as value for money and feel it is delivered with dignity, fairness and respect (Chapters 5 and 6). |
Values of dignity, fairness and respect are embedded |
Yes. Members provided positive feedback about the dignity, fairness and respect demonstrated by the AVE Scheme and Social Security Scotland more widely (Chapter 5). |
Anyone involved in the delivery of the Scheme offers individuals a positive experience (including dealers, providers and others in the supply chain, e.g. breakdown cover providers, mechanics, tyre/windscreen replacement technicians) |
Partially. Mostly positive experiences reported by members. However, there were also examples of more negative interactions with dealers (Chapter 5). |
Providers deliver effective support in the case of accidents or breakdowns |
Yes. No members reported any negative experiences of the breakdown service. |
Providers respond to members’ changing needs or circumstances over time, including any deteriorations or improvements in health or disabilities, and any changes in eligibility |
More data is needed. Interviewees had not experienced any changes in circumstances during their lease. One was concerned they would lose access to the Scheme if their condition had improved by the end of their lease. |
The AVE Scheme supports people to access and sustain employment, education and training opportunities |
Yes. Members gave examples of being more easily able to travel to work and education (Chapter 6). |
The AVE Scheme supports members’ wellbeing through improved or sustained access to health and other public services, and to social, cultural and leisure activities |
Yes. Members felt the Scheme had helped them to access medical and other services and to pursue hobbies and interests (Chapter 6). |
Long-term |
|
Reduced poverty in Scotland |
More data is needed. The Scheme may contribute to reducing poverty by supporting more disabled people to access employment and education, but more data is needed to measure this outcome. |
Reduced inequalities and discrimination |
More data is needed. As above, the Scheme may contribute to reducing inequalities and discrimination by enhancing disabled people’s mobility, independence and quality of life, but more data is needed to measure this outcome. |
Individuals trust in Social Security Scotland |
Partially. There are many contributory factors to clients’ trust in Social Security Scotland, but the AVE Scheme has had a positive impact on interviewees’ perceptions of the agency. |
The Scottish social security system is efficient and delivers value for money |
Partially. Members viewed the Scheme as delivering value for money but there are many contributory factors to the efficiency and value for money of the Scottish social security system as a whole. |
Scottish Government de-carbonisation objectives are met through provision of accessible, environmentally friendly and sustainable modes of transport for disabled people |
More data is needed. A few interviewees spoke of accessing electric vehicles through the Scheme, but more data is needed to measure this outcome. |
Bridging the mobility gap |
Partially. Members reported improved mobility but there are many contributory factors to the mobility gap other than the AVE Scheme. |
Public services treat people with dignity and respect. |
Partially. Members spoke positively about the dignity, fairness and respect demonstrated by the Scheme and Social Security Scotland, but there are many more public services outwith the Scheme. |
Risk factor |
Comments |
|---|---|
Policy changes are not implemented as intended |
No issues identified. |
Other parts of the Social Security Scotland application and/or decision-making process negatively impact on experience of the AVE Scheme |
No issues identified. |
Unclear communications, errors in communications |
Area for consideration. Our findings identified scope to increase awareness of the AVE Scheme, what it includes and how to access it. |
Errors or poor service standards among providers |
No issues identified. Members gave positive feedback about Motability’s service (Chapter 5). |
Providers fail to meet their contractual responsibilities |
|
Vehicle/equipment availability/rising cost |
Area for consideration. Affordability and needing benefits to pay for other things were barriers to using the Scheme among non-members (Chapter 7). Concerns about affordability were also identified by members (Chapter 5). Considering how to enhance the affordability of the Scheme would be beneficial (Chapters 5, 7 and 8). |
SG has limited control over the cost of living |
|
AVE Scheme intended outcomes and aspirations are not achievable due to factors beyond SG/SSS control |
Area for consideration. Supply chain challenges have resulted in long lead times and challenges around courtesy cars. Considering how to mitigate these would be beneficial (Chapters 5 and 8). Generally, members reported helpful and considerate service from dealers. However, there were also negative experiences and promoting consistently helpful and considerate service among dealers would further enhance the Scheme (Chapters 5 and 8). |
Providers’ business models |
Area for consideration. Concerns around the Scheme’s commercial viability deterred some potential providers from applying for accreditation (Chapter 2). |
SG has limited control over individuals’ experience of discrimination |
No issues identified. |
Contact
Email: socialresearch@gov.scot
There is a problem
Thanks for your feedback