The wheelchair sector has responded to a recent BBC news report that highlights how thousands of people across the UK are experiencing long waiting times for crucial mobility equipment, as the NHS faces tighter budgets and higher demand.

In the most recent quarter (January-March 2025) in England, 77.9 percent of children and 80.8 percent of adults received an NHS wheelchair, or a modification to their wheelchair, within 18 weeks. This is below the 92 percent target set out by NHS England.

A large contributing factor to these delays is a lack of funding from the UK Government for vital NHS wheelchair services, which means providers do not have sufficient resources to deliver them effectively and timely.

The Wheelchair Alliance is a community interest company with a goal of improving wheelchair provision in England. Its vision is to transform the experience of wheelchair users in England through improved access, quality, and effectiveness of services.

Nick Goldup, CEO of the Wheelchair Alliance, said: “The Wheelchair Alliance is working hard to ensure people receive better provision of wheelchairs through the NHS, and we often hear of long waits for appointments and receipt of a wheelchair. Wheelchair users are often faced with a complex and complicated system to navigate.

“The NHS refers regularly to the use of Personal Wheelchair Budgets (PWBs) as a mechanism to help people receive the wheelchairs they need; however, these are very limited in their application as the rules often prevent wheelchair users from getting what they want.

“For example, in Ivy’s case, Ivy would benefit from a powerchair but would be prevented by the PWB rules from upgrading her manual chair to powered and, if she decided to take the PWB externally to buy a powered chair, the money offered by the NHS would come nowhere near to how much she would need. This results in an inequality.

“In short, PWBs can be good for people with money, but for those with limited funds they offer no solutions.

“The Wheelchair Alliance is lobbying government for ownership and accountability of wheelchair services at a senior, national level, to take responsibility for a broken system. We have also been working hard towards driving improved commissioning of services through developing a Quality Framework that we hope the NHS will use to make wheelchair provision more consistent and fair.

“Lastly, our research and reports have shown that much of the data around demand for wheelchair services is estimated. We need reliable data to form an accurate local and national picture, as well as improved budgets.”

BHTA member AJM Healthcare has also responded. AJM Healthcare is an NHS wheelchair services provider in the UK, specialising exclusively in wheelchair services.

Guy Eatherington, Business Development & Customer Relations Director at AJM Healthcare, commented: “AJM Healthcare is committed to supporting the ongoing national redevelopment and reform of wheelchair services.

“The data presented below highlights a concerning trend across the system: a significant number of service users are not receiving the equipment they need within appropriate timeframes. This delay in provision undermines both the quality of care and the independence of individuals relying on these essential services.

“One key metric of referrals received versus referrals completed, has shown a peak performance of 97 percent. However, the average completion rate over the past two years stands at just 90.59 percent, indicating a persistent gap in service delivery.

“More than three-quarters of wheelchair services across England are currently delivered by NHS trusts or other publicly funded or third-sector organisations. This reflects the significant role that non-private entities continue to play in the provision of the NHS wheelchair services provision nationwide.

“More critically, the national waiting list has grown substantially during this period. An additional 40,000 individuals have been added to waiting lists across the country, reflecting mounting pressure on services and a growing unmet need.

“AJM Healthcare recognises the urgency of these challenges and remains dedicated to working collaboratively with commissioners, providers, and service users to drive meaningful improvements. Our goal is to ensure that every individual receives timely access to the right equipment, enabling greater mobility, independence, and quality of life.”

David Stockdale, Chief Executive of the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA), added: “Stories like this are deeply concerning, and they reflect what our members tell us: demand for NHS wheelchair services is rising, but funding has not kept pace.

“Clinicians and providers work hard within tight constraints; the issue is not a lack of commitment on the frontline, but a lack of sustained, adequate investment. Without funding to meet increasing need and costs, services struggle to recruit, retain, and innovate, and people wait too long for the essential equipment that enables independence, safety, and participation in daily life.

“We urge the government to prioritise wheelchair provision by increasing budgets, setting clear national accountability for delivery, and supporting consistent commissioning so that access is fair across the country. With the right resources, the system can reduce waiting times, provide the right chair first time, and ensure that every wheelchair user receives timely, person-centred support.”

Andrew Stevenson, British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) President and Wheelchair Alliance Committee Member, recently gave an update on the Wheelchair Alliance at the BHTA’s inaugural joint meeting for the Children’s Equipment, Independent Living, and Mobility sections.

The event took place on 5 July 2023 at the Walton Hall Hotel and Spa in Warwickshire, which provided informative and engaging presentations for attendees and demonstrated the value of being a BHTA member.

One of the highlights from the day was Andrew’s presentation about the Wheelchair Alliance.

The Wheelchair Alliance is a community interest company that has been set up by NHS England with a goal of improving wheelchair provision in England. Its vision is to transform the experience of wheelchair users in England through improved access, quality, and effectiveness of services.

See below some slides about the Wheelchair Alliance’s vision, mission, and operational plan for 2023-2027.

Importantly, BHTA has a seat on the Wheelchair Alliance board to ensure that the voices of product suppliers, commissioned service providers, retailers, and associated businesses are represented at all times.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when most in-house wheelchair services closed, the BHTA set up a wheelchair working group. This group saw some of the UK’s major wheelchair service providers come together to ensure that, while the NHS was under extreme pressure, the needs of wheelchair users were fully supported and that services continued operating.

Now, the BHTA is looking to develop this wheelchair working group further via the Wheelchair Alliance. The alliance’s wheelchair working group wants more BHTA members involved, including not just wheelchair suppliers but members involved in specialist seating and posture and mobility.

It means BHTA members will have a chance to have direct input at board meetings with the Wheelchair Alliance where relevant.

For BHTA members looking to get involved with the Wheelchair Alliance, they should get in touch with their membership engagement management for further details.