LABOUR is being accused of making an attempt to “nationalise” the UK automobile trade by leasing 1000’s extra British vehicles beneath Motability.
In ten years the taxpayer-funded scheme goals to lease 150,000 selfmade vehicles – up from solely 22,000 in the present day.
It might imply 83 per cent of UK-made vehicles bought in Britain will go to Motability claimants.
Its autos embody Minis.
Luxury BMWs and Mercedes are actually banned after a backlash.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has backed Motability’s pledge that half its fleet will likely be British-built in ten years’ time.
She mentioned it’s going to assist 1000’s of jobs.
But Helen Whately, Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, mentioned: “This isn’t backing British vehicles — it’s nationalising the home automobile market by the again door, leaving taxpayers footing the invoice. Labour ought to be specializing in constructing a stronger economic system and backing companies.
“Instead they’ve capitulated with their Benefits Street Budget and don’t have any plans to crack down on Motability scheme misuse.”
Overall there are 300,000 Motability vehicles.
The programme, arrange in 1977 to assist disabled folks, has ballooned right into a £7billion trade usually exploited by scammers.
Ailments from constipation to tennis elbow have helped Brits bag brand-new motors.
A authorities spokesman mentioned it was dedicated to reforming Mot-ability to save lots of £1billion by 2030.
