Ford dealership accused of exploiting Motability scheme as it urges claimants to 'beat' looming crackdown and get a free car

By CHRIS POLLARD, NEWS REPORTER Published: 17:46, 16 June 2026 | Updated: 17:55, 16 June 2026 A Ford dealer is encouraging people to 'beat the changes' coming to the controversial Motability scheme and 'lock in' taxpayer-funded benefits before they are slashed. Trust Ford, the world's largest Ford dealership group, is running adverts on podcasts and social media urging people to exploit the £3 billion scheme before it's too late. A page on the firm's website even features a countdown clock showing how many hours, minutes and seconds remain before the crackdown – designed to slash funding by a third - kicks in on July 1. Motability was set up to help those with serious physical disabilities, but the bloated scheme now dishes out brand-new cars to people with ailments including anxiety, depression and back pain. It currently accounts for one in five new car sales in Britain and has faced repeated calls for reform. In one Facebook ad bearing the slogan 'Beat the Changes', Trust Ford warns about 'major changes' coming to Motability including VAT, insurance premium tax, lower mileage allowances, increased excess fees and new limits on the number of replacement tyres. 'Don't miss out,' it advises. 'Secure current rates: Order now to lock in current mileage, benefits and costs.' In a separate advert that plays alongside podcasts including the Totally Football Show, the firm says: 'If you, or someone you care for, receives the higher-rate disability living allowance or personal independence payment, you may be eligible for a brand new Ford. Ford cars available on Motability include the flagship Mustang Mach-E, which can do 0-60mph in just 3.3 seconds, rivaling high-end supercars A page on the Trust Ford website even features a countdown clock showing to the second how long people have to exploit the Motability scheme before a major crackdown kicks in Adverts on podcasts and social media advise people on how to 'beat the changes' and 'lock in' taxpayer-funded freebies before time runs out 'And now from the first of July 2026, major changes will apply to new leases. 'Choose your next Motability vehicle before this date and our award-winning Motability specialists will be on hand to ensure you beat the changes and keep today's benefits for the next three years.' It is unknown if the Ford's central office was aware of the adverts before they went out, though Trust Ford is a trading name of the Ford Retail Group, a subsidiary of Ford of Europe. Ford cars available on Motability include the flagship Mustang Mach-E, which can do 0-60mph in just 3.3 seconds, rivaling high-end supercars.  Critics said the ads are a brazen bid to raid the taxpayer-funded pot before it is partially closed down. Callum McGoldrick, of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: 'This kind of advertising risks undermining public confidence in a scheme already under intense scrutiny. 'Motability is meant to support those with genuine mobility needs, not encourage a last-minute rush before eligibility rules tighten. 'They should focus on responsible promotion, not marketing that appears to encourage people to "beat the changes" at taxpayers' expense.' Joanna Marchong, at the Adam Smith Institute, said: 'The fact that dealers are urging customers to "beat the changes" speaks volumes about how distorted the Motability scheme has become. 'A programme intended to support those with the greatest mobility needs has grown into a multibillion-pound market in its own right, with powerful commercial interests benefiting from its continued expansion. 'When businesses start marketing government-backed benefits with the same urgency as a retail sale, it is clear the scheme has drifted too far from its original purpose.'  She added: 'Motability exists to help disabled people live independently, not to subsidise car sales. Ministers should ensure reforms are properly implemented and that support is targeted at those who genuinely need it.' Your browser does not support iframes. Ford is among the most popular manufacturers supplying cars through the scheme, alongside Vauxhall and Nissan. However, until November last year, luxury brands such as BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Alfa Romeo and Lexus were also available. Nearly ten per cent of people in parts of the UK are entitled to lease a Motability vehicle.  Among those eligible for the initiative are people receiving an enhanced rate of the mobility component of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which is intended to help with the extra costs of living with a disability or health condition. These PIP claimants can choose to swap a portion of their payments for a new car, scooter or powered wheelchair. Helen Whately, the shadow work and pensions secretary, said: 'Motability vehicles are meant for seriously disabled people who would otherwise be stuck at home - not for anyone who fancies a shiny new taxpayer-funded car. 'Diverting money away from those who genuinely cannot manage without support, means we now have an unaffordable welfare bill.' A Department of Work and Pensions spokesperson said: 'Supporting disabled people will always be our top priority and we are in regular discussions with Motability Foundation about the Scheme. 'The scheme is administered independently by Motability Operations, and individual dealers are responsible for their own marketing activity. 'We are committed to ensuring the scheme continues to deliver for the disabled people it was designed to support, and we're reforming Motability to save the taxpayer £1 billion over five years and put money back in people's pockets.' Ford and Trust Ford did not respond to requests for comment. No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? 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