Disabled residents in Boston who are eligible for the Motability scheme may have to work longer than those anywhere else in England to cover estimated increases in Advance Payments linked to tax changes due to come into effect on 1 July, new research suggests. The study, compiled by Seacroft Mobility, examined how rising upfront vehicle costs compare with local earnings across England. Researchers also analysed the number of residents awarded enhanced Motability-related benefits in January 2026 to identify where affordability pressures could be greatest. According to the findings, residents in Boston would need to work an estimated 28 hours to cover the average increase in Advance Payments. Median hourly pay in the area is £14.28, while 2,837 residents have been awarded enhanced Motability-related benefits and may be eligible for the scheme. East Lindsey ranked second, with residents needing to work 27.4 hours, followed by Nottingham at 27.2 hours. Blackpool, South Tyneside and Torbay also featured in the top 10. The research analysed estimated average increases in Motability Advance Payments alongside median hourly pay figures for local authorities across England. Daniel Swain, mobility expert at Seacroft Mobility, said: “Motability vehicles help many disabled people travel to work, attend appointments and maintain independence, but rising Advance Payments are increasing pressure on household finances. “In Boston, residents would need to work the equivalent of almost four standard working days to cover estimated increases in upfront costs. “The findings show that lower-paid areas may face greater challenges when accessing the Motability scheme, particularly where…
