Benefits scheme hands out cars to claimants with acne and ADHD

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, September 26, 2026

New data has revealed that thousands of recipients with a wide range of conditions, including minor ones like acne, have received substantial disability benefits and luxury vehicles through Britain’s Motability scheme, prompting public criticism and policy changes. This surge in claims, coupled with increased spending, has intensified calls from opposition parties and advocacy groups for tighter eligibility rules to maintain fiscal responsibility and fairness in the benefits system.

Britain’s disability benefits scheme has come under scrutiny after new data revealed that a wide range of claimants, including those with relatively minor or contested conditions, have received substantial support—including luxury vehicles through the Motability programme. Last year, approximately 13,000 premium cars, including Mercedes, BMW, and Audi models, were provided under the scheme, which assists people with disabilities or health conditions in obtaining vehicles. Notably, five vehicles were awarded to individuals diagnosed with acne, while thousands more were given to claimants with mental health conditions such as anxiety, autism, and ADHD.

As of April 2024, more than 52,000 individuals claimed Personal Independence Payment (PIP) citing back pain as their primary disabling condition. Other claimants received enhanced PIP awards for conditions including obesity (2,346 people), irritable bowel syndrome (923), writer’s cramp (6), and food intolerances (31). These figures highlight the growing scale of disability benefit claims, which now include 3.23 million recipients of PIP nationwide. Spending on these benefits contributes to what some describe as the highest tax burden since the Second World War.

The Motability scheme’s distribution of high-end vehicles sparked criticism, leading to the removal of luxury car brands from eligibility in November 2023 amid public concern. Despite this, four out of five PIP claimants also receive weekly mobility payments ranging from £30.30 to £80, intended to offset the costs of transportation for disabled people.

Opposition parties and advocacy groups have voiced strong concerns regarding the rising benefits bill and the breadth of qualifying conditions. Conservative figures have called for tighter controls, with Tory leader Kemi Badenoch branding the ruling Labour Party as the “welfare party.” Shadow minister Joy Morrissey accused the government of prioritising benefit spending over taxpayers, referencing Labour Mayor Andy Burnham’s government and its approach to taxation and social support.

Analysis from the Centre for Government Reform indicates a nearly 10% increase in PIP claims since the 2024 general election across all English constituencies, with numbers doubling in 61 local authorities. The think tank warns that unchecked benefit growth could strain public finances and drive Britain toward fiscal instability.

Critics such as Benjamin Elks of the TaxPayers’ Alliance argue the current system is “not fit for purpose,” particularly questioning the necessity of some mobility claims in areas with adequate public transportation. Tory MP Helen Whately described the Motability scheme’s policy as making “a mockery” of welfare, noting taxpayer concerns over cars provided to claimants for conditions like acne and tennis elbow.

Calls are intensifying for the government to review PIP eligibility criteria and reduce Motability spending to ensure fairness for taxpayers and sustainability of the benefits system. The government was contacted for comment but had not responded at the time of publication.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.