Disabled car tax reduction

[aliceliddell]

I'm disabled, don't drive, have blue badge and parking space outside the house. Our car is used by dp to take dd to/from school (too far to walk or walk from bus-stop as dd has probs with legs, sees consultant 2x p.a.) and dp uses it for work 3 a.m.'s p/w and to go shopping, often without me as it is a 3 act opera getting in/out of car/shop etc. Dp is my f/t carer which means we live on benefits. We do not claim the reduced car tax because legally a car thus taxed may only be used with the disabled person in it. That means we could claim it on 'my' car only if we had another car for dp & dd paying normal tax. My question is - what, if any, reduction of car tax should we get? Should we pay the normal amount because the car is not used solely for my direct benefit? Or what? I'm genuinely interested to find out your opinions.

Hi. Your post has really made me think! Ummm.

My gut reaction is that as your car isn't really used by you, more by your dp, then normal tax should be paid. If you actually used it, even on a part time basis then perhaps reduced tax.

normal tax,i think

as your post is confusing......you say your dh is your full time carer and you live on benefits......but you also say he works

If you can only claim a reduced rate because you have to always be in the car when used, then I'd say full tax.

You are disabled and have the use of a car, if you are entitled to something you should claim it, just as if you get DLA you would be entitled to a Mobility Car which your full time carer could drive.

If he works, and uses the car for work (ie using it for himself, not for your benefit) then it should be full paid tax.

is it full paid tax at present?

My Mother is in your situation (ie she receives higher rate DLA and is housebound without access to her car).

As my sister drives her car occasionally and my Dad uses it when it suits him (her car is much smaller than his so easier to park in town) she refuses to take her tax reduction.

I agree with her as the car is used to benefit other members of family ie. when my sister drives it to work. It is not for her sole benefit.

If he is using it for work and other activities other than transporting you, then it should pay full tax.

Re: Tillytulip - most f/t carers get carers allowance £53 p/w which they supplement with p/t work. If they earn over £95 p/w they lose all the carer's allowance. Employed carers replace dp when he's at work. I'm not allowed to employ him for a wage. Re Zimbomum - I could not get out of the house without a car, there are no dropped kerbs, I live in a small terraced house with no side access for mobility scooter etc, v. hilly area with no nearby bus stops, inaccessible buses and train station so public transport not very 'public' for me. Yes, the car is on full tax now. It's not motability because it's more flexible to use a regular car and use the money fr other things like wheelchair, bath equipment etc.