While the budget does not focus directly on disability or accessibility, some updates could affect the costs and support available to mobility equipment users and those who enjoy accessible travel.
This blog explains the key points in a simple, balanced way to help you understand what the year ahead may look like.
Updates to Disability Benefits and Income Support
From April 2026, disability-related benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), and parts of Universal Credit will rise in line with inflation. This means payments will increase slightly to keep up with rising prices.
For people who rely on accessibility, this may offer some help with everyday costs, although the increases simply match inflation rather than adding new financial support.
Changes are also being made to the health element of Universal Credit.
- Existing claimants will keep their current health-related payment, which will be protected and continue to rise with inflation.
- New claimants will receive a smaller amount than before.
This may affect the long-term income of people with mobility needs, depending on their personal situation.
Changes to PIP Reviews and Assessments
The government plans to make PIP reviews less frequent from 2026, especially for people with long-term conditions. This could mean fewer reassessments, giving many mobility equipment users a bit more stability and reducing the need to regularly provide evidence of their mobility needs.
The government has discussed making some assessments more in-person in future, although this is not a specific measure announced in the Budget. For some individuals, this may mean more in-person appointments, which could feel inconvenient or stressful depending on their circumstances.
These changes do not affect eligibility rules but may influence how often people need to interact with the benefits system.
Motability Scheme Updates and Vehicle Costs
The Motability Scheme will be affected by new tax rules starting in July 2026. These relate to:
- VAT being added to some advance payments
- Insurance Premium Tax being applied to certain insurance costs.
However, vehicles that are designed for, or permanently adapted for, wheelchair users will still be exempt from these extra charges.
The mobility allowance itself is not changing.
Healthcare, Prescriptions, and Local Support
Prescription charges will be frozen for 2026–27, helping to keep medical costs from rising further.
The budget also includes funding to improve NHS technology. For mobility equipment users, improved NHS digital systems may make organising appointments easier, although the Budget does not specifically state that this will reduce travel.
Neighbourhood Health Centres are continuing to be developed. These centres aim to bring different health services together in one place, which could make local healthcare easier to access.
How These Changes Affect Accessible Travel
While the 2025 Budget does not directly change accessible travel rules, several updates may influence how mobility users plan holidays, manage equipment costs, or budget for future trips.
For example:
- Uprating of disability benefits may help with general living expenses.
- The continued freeze on fuel duty offers some short-term stability for UK travel.
- Healthcare improvements may make it easier to organise travel around appointments.
Accessible travel remains an important part of independence for many people, and having clear information helps individuals plan ahead with confidence.
What Mobility Equipment Users Can Expect Going Forward
Overall, the 2025 UK Budget presents a mix of small improvements and cost changes. Some updates offer stability, such as inflation-based benefit increases and fewer PIP reviews. Others, like future Motability payment adjustments or changes to transport costs, may require people to think ahead when planning travel or budgeting for mobility equipment.
Although these changes do not directly affect mobility scooters, wheelchairs, or mobility hire services, they may influence the financial decisions surrounding them. Understanding the updates can help mobility equipment users prepare for the year ahead.