Drivers with sleeping disorders can lease cars under benefits scheme
More than 400 people who list obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) as a primary medical condition accessed a vehicle through the taxpayer-subsidised Motability scheme in 2024, according to official government figures.
People with OSA experience their breathing stopping and starting when they sleep, which can lead to waking several times during the night and loud snoring, according to the NHS.
The health service says that daytime symptoms include tiredness, mood swings and headaches.
It also says that the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency must be informed if someone receives a diagnosis of OSA, and that a sufferer must not drive until symptoms are under control.
The leasing scheme allows successful claimants to exchange part of their personal independence payments (Pip) for a car, and in some instances requires a downpayment.
Those judged to be on the highest rate of mobility Pip, designed to help disabled people cover the costs of getting around, are able to access the scheme.
Carers and parents are also able to drive the vehicle on behalf of the disabled person.
A total of 420 people whose 'primary condition' was OSA made claims on the Motability scheme last year, and a further 190 claimants suffered from narcolepsy.
Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder which leads to excessive daytime sleepiness as well as other symptoms including hallucinations and poor memory.
There were a total of 589,550 people claiming on the Motability scheme in April of this year, and cost the Government £600 million last year.
More than 320 people with dyslexia have accessed a car, as have 420 who are diagnosed with dyspraxia.
Twenty drivers with food intolerances listed as their primary conditions also made claims, as well as 190 people with social phobia.
The scheme has come under renewed scrutiny in recent weeks after the Government battled with its backbenchers to try and force through reforms to the welfare system.
Rachel Reeves and Sir Keir Starmer were forced to back down on plans to slash the benefits bill, in part by raising the threshold for Pip eligibility.
The proposed changes to assessments were watered down, and the changes will only affect new claimants, while those already on the benefit will continue to receive it.
Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative Party leader, said in a speech on Thursday: 'We are going to have to draw a line in the sand about which conditions the state gives out support for.'
Earlier this week, the Centre for Social Justice called on the Government to withdraw Pip and Universal Credit from those with milder anxiety, depression or ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).
They estimated that such changes would save £7.4 billion by 2029-30, and that £1 billion of it should be redirected towards reinvestment in front-line mental health services.
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But she said it took more than a week for her symptoms to subside Edith woke up on the second day of her holiday with a swollen face, which left her unrecognisable to family, and struggling to breathe. The 'frightening' incident saw her rushed to hospital. She was treated with a high dose of steroids after being rushed to the nearest hospital on the Canary island. Shocking pictures of the incident show her lying in a hospital bed. Edith, who also owns a wedding venue with husband Carl Fox, 54, believes she suffered an allergic reaction to something in the spray, and is urging others to avoid using similar products. She said the ingredients weren't listed on the label of the product, meaning she doesn't know what she was allergic to. She used the tan after step-daughter Kayla Fox, 33, suggested getting nasal spray as a way of getting a quicker tan. 'I googled it and saw it pop up online and ordered it,' Edith said. 'I think I paid £25 for the bottle. I like being tanned because I prefer not using makeup. I always liked looking fresh-looking with a tan. 'On the first day, we were so brown, I've never experienced anything like it. I was very tanned after one day. 'But the next morning, I woke up and realised I couldn't breathe properly. I then noticed I was completely swollen. I was so out of breath and had to concentrate so much on breathing. It was really difficult to breathe. 'My neck was so swollen that my necklace was tight. I was just swollen everywhere. I realised it must be an allergic reaction.' She added: 'There's no ingredients on the bottle — you don't know what you're putting in the body.' Edith contacted the hotel reception who called a taxi to drive her to the nearest hospital, where she was fast-tracked through the emergency department. Hospital staff have her a high dose of steroids and discharged her later that day. But she said it took more than a week for her symptoms to fully subside. 'I said to the consultant the only thing I've done differently this week is take this nasal spray,' she said. 'I've never had an allergic reaction in my whole life to any foods or anything. I think it was definitely the spray. 'I wouldn't be standing here if the hospital staff hadn't acted so quickly. I was rushed straight through. It was so frightening.' Since the incident she has seen other people post about similar reactions to tanning nasal sprays on social media. Ms Eagle said she could have 'died that day'. 'If they hadn't been so hands-on that day in the hospital, I wouldn't be here to tell the tale,' she said. 'I will never again buy anything like this again - especially from the internet. How they can sell sprays with no ingredients listed is so worrying. I'd rather not have a tan. 'It was frightening for my family to see me like that. I feel grateful to be alive. 'Please don't make the same mistake as me. If this can save someone's life then I would rather suffer for anyone else before they make a stupid decision like me! I blame myself,' she added.
