Taxpayer money is being used to give cars to people with minor conditions such as tennis elbow and constipation, according to new data. Information from Guido Fawkes suggests cars are also being handed to motorists with tourettes, food intolerance issues and dyslexia through the Government's Motability scheme.

Thousands of cars are also being dished out to road users with depression and suffering from anxiety. The Motability Scheme allows disabled people to lease a vehicle by using up some of their mobility benefit allowance. Usually, the cars are “brand new vehicles” with applicants also enjoying access to “insurance, servicing and breakdown”.

According to Guido Fawkes, data shows that £600 million was funnelled from the Department for Work and Pensions straight into the Scheme in 2024.

As of April 2025, it is believed that an eye-watering 589,550 claimants have been awarded taxpayer-funded cars. 

Of these, 20 cars were handed out to road users with food intolerance concerns and 230 dished out to Tourette's sufferers. Meanwhile, 20 cars were handed out to motorists suffering from stress and 320 cars to those with dyslexia.

While 40 cars were allocated for those with tennis elbow, a condition that 'causes pain around the outside of the elbow” but is typically resolved with rest, according to the NHS.

A total of 20 individuals had been allocated cars due to constipation, along with 10 people struggling with a ‘failure to thrive’.

However, the leading campaign group Crush Crime warned that motorists with previous drink and drug convictions were also being awarded vehicles.

Guido Fawkes data suggests that 770 cars were awarded to those with "alcohol misuse” listed as a condition.

Meanwhile, 220 cars were handed out to motorists who are known to have issues with "drug misuse”.

Specialists warn that under the rules of the scheme, motorists only have to wait five years after a conviction to be awarded a vehicle.

Crush Crime posted on social media: “Even if you were convicted for drunk-driving in the past, then – providing the conviction was at least 5 years ago – they will give you a free car.

“Even if you were a drink-driver who had a 5-year driving ban that ended last month, they will still give you a car.

“Only 5 people were given lifetime bans last year, but over 6000 people with alcohol misuse disorders can claim a taxpayer-funded car, even with past DUIs.”

Motorists must receive a higher rate mobility allowance to enjoy access to the scheme.

The Department for Work and Pensions, who make decisions over disability benefits claims, stressed any “misuse” of the Motability scheme would be taken seriously.

They explained: “People in receipt of an eligible benefit can choose to join the Motability Scheme. Any misuse of the scheme is a matter for Motability and, where appropriate, the police.”