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How the 2025 Autumn Budget Could Shape Everyday Life for Mobility Equipment Users

The Autumn 2025 UK Budget brought a range of financial updates that may have an indirect impact on people who rely on mobility scooters, wheelchairs, powerchairs, rollators, and other essential mobility equipment. While none of the announcements focused specifically on mobility support, several changes could influence how people plan their spending, choose equipment, or manage regular costs in the months ahead.

This guide summarises the main points in a clear, easy-to-follow format to help you understand what the new budget may mean for you or someone you support.

1. Income-Related Updates: What’s Changing in 2026

A key part of the Budget confirmed that benefits such as PIP, DLA, and relevant components of Universal Credit will be increased in line with inflation from April 2026. These upratings are designed to maintain the value of payments so they continue to reflect rising living costs.

The health element of Universal Credit is also being adjusted, and the changes depend on a person’s circumstances:

For anyone who relies on these benefits to help with daily living costs or equipment upkeep, this difference between new and existing claims may be important when planning ahead.

Review and Assessment Processes May Become Less Frequent

Another update worth noting is the government’s intention to reduce how often people with long-term or lifelong conditions are asked to undergo PIP reviews. From 2026, many claimants may experience longer gaps between assessments, which should help reduce the stress and paperwork often associated with benefit reviews.

There have also been wider discussions about increasing the number of in-person assessments in future. Although not a confirmed Budget measure, it is something that could influence how reviews are carried out. This won’t affect eligibility levels, but it may change how people interact with the assessment system.

3. Changes Coming to the Motability Scheme in July 2026

The Motability Scheme is set to be affected by new tax rules that will come into force in mid-2026. These include:

Adapted vehicles, including those designed for wheelchair users, will continue to be exempt from these changes.

If you use a Motability vehicle to transport a mobility scooter, wheelchair, or powerchair, it’s worth noting that:

The mobility allowance that supports the scheme is unchanged.

4. Everyday Travel Costs: What’s Staying the Same

The Budget confirmed another freeze on fuel duty. While modest, this freeze helps prevent sudden jumps in everyday travel costs, something many mobility equipment users factor into their regular routines, especially when travelling to medical appointments or community activities.

5. Healthcare Costs and Improvements

The Budget also announced several updates to healthcare-related spending:

For individuals who rely on mobility equipment, these changes may help reduce unnecessary travel and make it easier to access essential services.

6. Putting the Changes Into Context

For mobility equipment users, the Budget does not introduce anything dramatic - instead, it brings a combination of small adjustments that could affect daily life in various ways. Key takeaways include:

Together, these updates form a picture of relative stability, with most changes aimed at maintaining affordability rather than introducing new forms of support.

7. Looking Ahead: Planning for the Year to Come

Although the Budget does not directly change how mobility equipment is supported or funded, it does shape the financial environment in which people make decisions.

Understanding these updates can help you plan purchases, consider long-term costs, or prepare for changes to benefit reviews. Cavendish Health Care will continue to provide clear, reliable guidance for anyone thinking about upgrading their equipment or adapting their home to stay independent and comfortable.

Date Published: 10/12/2025

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