Free car tax as a carer?

peter1961sherwood

has a paid carer for my partner on the highest rate of personal independence payment am i entitled to get free car tax i understand i can get it for my partener but she needs to be in the car which stops me from driving my car alone

steve51

Hi @peter1961sherwood

Welcome to our community/website !!!!

As far as I know your partner would need to be in the car as off the "Blue Badge"

Please let me know if you would like me to confirm this for you ??????

Many thanks.

peter1961sherwood

 thanks steve im wondering if has a carer am i entiled in my name to get help with car tax that allows me to drive my car alone by the way thanks for any help you can find or give me

CockneyRebel

Hi peter and welcome

The ruling around free car tax is a little vague.in as much as if you are using the car for your partners benefit then she does not have to be in the car.
For example your partner needs a prescription picking up, you can use the car to do so as it is for her needs adn she does not have to be in the car. Likewise, shopping, your partner need to eat and therefore shopping has to be done. You can use the car to go shopping as this is also for her benefit.
You would not be able to use the car to go to work, or the pub or any other thing that is not for your partners benefit

CR

peter1961sherwood

CockneyRebel thank you for the information many thanks

steve51

Hi @peter1961sherwood

No probs any time !!!!

I have found some info below for you:

http://www.thecarer.co.uk/could-i-be-exempt-from-paying-car-tax.html

Please please let me know if there is anything else that I can help you with ??????

peter1961sherwood

thanks CockneyRebel ill have a look at the site once again thank you

peter1961sherwood

thanks steve ill have a look at it

steve51

Hi @peter1961sherwood

Yes please have a good look & please let me know if I can help you further ?????

Thanks.

peter1961sherwood

ok and if you stumble a cross anything to do with carers and help i would be grateful for any help thanks steve

CockneyRebel

What do you need to know about carers ?

CR

peter1961sherwood

 has a carer for my partner am i entitled for free car tax that im allowed to drive my car without her being there

CockneyRebel

Sorry no, free car tax is only awarded to people claiming enhanced mobility PIP

CR

CockneyRebel

However there does not appear to be a restiction if you pay 50% tax

CR

peter1961sherwood

 thats what my partner gets but she dont drive so how can that benifit her thanks cockney rebel

CockneyRebel

Even though your partner doesn't drive she is still entitled to apply for a car on the mobility scheme with you as the designated driver, but the rules remain the same. The benefit is for her and not you. As with a blue badge you would not expect to park in a blue badge space if you were on your own why would it be right for you to benefit from free car tax to pursue your own activities when other drivers have to pay ?

CR. 

peter1961sherwood

 i dont think im looking for free anything im 56 worked all my life so far 6 days a week until my partner fell incapable to even walk ive never ever asked for any kind of help i still have a job but have been given time off from royal mail to look after her on 0 pay so believe me from 400 a week to 0 for love and confused to what help is at hand im worried sorry for spouting off but im not a scronger

CockneyRebel

I realise that you are in a difficult position and just want to explore your options. Many people less honest would just tax the car for free and not let it bother them.

I really hope that at some time soon you will be able to return to work. Please if we can help in any way let us know , even if you just need to let off a bit of steam we are here to listen

CR

peter1961sherwood

 thanks have a good night hope i can find help some where i did tax the the car then found out the mrs had to be in it so i changed it back just dont understand if they think thats helping a disabled person or is there away to get a 50 50 plan

CockneyRebel

There is an option for people that get standard mobility to pay 50% tax that does not seem to have the restriction.
As you have taken leave from work, what are you doing that is not for the benefit of your partner ?

CR

peter1961sherwood

hi thanks i play for a brass band so i drive once a week to practice

CockneyRebel

That is fantastic, you need a break from full time caring and that can also be to your partners benefit, otherwise things can get strained. A little respite for you is a good way forward and should be viewed as part of your caring for your partner

CR

peter1961sherwood

 many thanks