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Equality, Legal and Advocacy:Frequently Asked Questions
Through our helpline we receive enquiries spanning a wide range of different topics. Here is a selection of those most asked:
Can I get a reduction of Vehicle Excise Duty?
If you are disabled you may be entitled to a reduction or exemption of vehicle tax. The vehicle must be registered in your name or a specific driver’s name and must only be used for your personal needs.
You can apply for exemption if you get the:
- higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- enhanced rate mobility component of Adult Disability Payment – mygov.scot
- War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
You can get a 50% reduction in vehicle tax if you get the Personal Independence Payment or Adult Disability Payment standard rate mobility component Adult Disability Payment – mygov.scot
You can find out more here Vehicles exempt from vehicle tax – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
What help is there with energy costs?
Energy costs used to be a worry in winter but now bills can be a challenge all year round.
The good news is there are different grants and schemes available to help people improve the heating in their homes and keep heating costs down.
Home Energy Scotland is a free energy advice service funded by the Scottish Government to help people save money and keep their homes warmer. They offer simple energy saving tips, and know about funding schemes and how to access them.
Their website Home Energy Scotland offers help with finding funding, reducing your bills, making your home warmer and living a greener life. You can call them on 0808 808 2282
How can I get a RADAR key?
The National Key Scheme (NKS), often referred to as RADAR keys, offers disabled people independent access to locked public accessible toilets around the country. You can buy from Disability Rights UK either over the phone or through their website.
You can also purchase RADAR keys through some chemists and online.
For further information see our Accessible Toilets information guide or the Disability Rights UK website.
Call the Disability Information Scotland helpline on: 0300 323 9961
How can I get a disabled parking space outside my house?
If you need a disabled parking space outside your house, contact your council. They will assess your circumstances and may charge for this.
To qualify, you must
- have a current blue badge
- either be the driver of the vehicle or be assisted by a carer who is the driver if they live where the space is needed
- keep the vehicle at the address you give on the application form
- normally have difficulty getting a perking space on the public road.
A disabled parking space can be used by anyone with a blue badge, not just the person who applied for it.
For further information or help searching for your local council’s contact number then please contact our helpline on 0300 323 9961.
For more information on getting a blue badge, check out our Blue Badges Information Guide.
How can I get care or disability equipment at home?
If you need care, support or equipment at home, the first step is to contact your local council’s Social Work Department (or in Highland, NHS Highland) and ask for a Care needs assessment. You might qualify for an adaptation, equipment, care at home, or a budget you can use to arrange your own care. If you have a carer, they have a separate right to support from the council too. If the help you need counts as “free personal or nursing care” it will be free.
Equality, Legal and Advocacy:Search for Local Organisations
Our quick search tool can connect you to over 3000 service providers, suppliers and organisations supporting people across Scotland. To find support near you, simply enter your search term and select your local authority.
| Organisation | Description |
|---|---|
| Shaw Trust | Information and advice provided on the following areas (list is not exhaustive): • transport • eating and drinking • beds, chairs and accessories • children’s equipment • powered and manual wh… |
| Shaw Trust Scotland | Specialist support for people with disabilities to find and stay in work |
| Shetland Befriending Scheme | Services provided: The Shetland Befriending Scheme offers a one to one support service to children, young people and adults aged from 7 years. Their volunteers support individuals who can benefit from some additional input. There are a whole range of… |
| Shetland Islands Citizens Advice Bureau | Aims: To provide free confidential independent information and advice to Shetland residents on a wide range of issues. Services provided: Information and advice includes, entitlement to benefits and representation at tribunals, employment advice, housi… |
| Shetland Islands Council | Useful contact numbers for Shetland Islands Council |
| Shingles Support Society | Information and advice for people with Shingles |
| Shopmobility Coatbridge North Lanarkshirec | Description of service: Loan of electric and manual wheelchairs and scooters to assist people who have limited mobility, long or short term, or visual / hearing impairments, to access shopping and other facilities in Coatbridge town centre. Mobilty Hub… |
| Shopmobility – Aberdeen – Able Deen | Description of service: Loan wheelchairs, scooters or rollators to anyone, young or old, regardless of their disability for use in the city centre. The service is also open to visitors. We also offer a wheelchair accessible vehicle for self drive hire… |
| Shopmobility – Central (Falkirk) | Free loan of powered and manual wheelchairs |
| Shopmobility – Hamilton | Lends manual / powered wheelchairs, scooters and walking aids for shopping purposes |
