A. A disabled person can get VAT relief on certain supplies to them but the scope of the relief is narrowly drawn. VATA 1994, Schedule 8, Group 12 sets out the goods and services that can be zero-rated.
Specifically, item 2(f) states that the supply to a handicapped person for domestic or personal use of motor vehicles designed or substantially and permanently adapted for the carriage of a person in a wheelchair or on a stretcher and of no more than 11 other persons is zero-rated.
In addition, item 2(h) states that parts and accessories designed solely for use in or with goods described in paragraph (a) to (g) are also zero-rated.
Therefore, if the customer is simply upgrading the wheels and tires for cosmetic reasons, then as the new tires and alloys that the customer has asked to be fitted are not designed solely for use in an adapted vehicle your client is correct to charge VAT at the standard rate.
However, if the tyres and alloys are being supplied and fitted as part of a repair, for example following an accident, or routine maintenance, then provided your client holds an eligibility declaration from the customer and is satisfied that the vehicle was zero-rated to the customer when it was initially supplied, then the repair or maintenance including the parts will be zero-rated under item 5.
HMRC published Helpsheet VAT1616 (link below) in 2012 to help businesses and customers to interpret the rules on adapted vehicles.
