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Zuleika
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19-06-2019, 11:30 AM
1

Blue Badge Scheme Changes

NewsStory

Review of Blue Badge fraud as scheme is extended to those with ‘hidden disabilities’
Those with less visible disabilities will benefit from the biggest change in the Blue Badge scheme in 50 years.

Published 15 June 2019
From:
Department for Transport and Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government

Blue Badge scheme to be extended to people who have less visible disabilities, making journeys more accessible
this change to the scheme is the biggest in nearly 50 years with the extended criteria coming into force on 30 August 2019
review also launched into Blue Badge fraud and ways of reducing misuse
People with hidden disabilities will soon be able to access Blue Badge parking permits, thanks to the rollout of new guidance today (June 15 2019).

For drivers or passengers with dementia, anxiety disorders or reduced mobility, the anticipation of travel difficulties such as finding a parking space can build on top of the stress of the journey itself.

The new guidance, which represents the biggest change to the scheme since the 1970s, will offer a lifeline to people who often find road travel difficult by providing better access to work and other amenities. It will also help combat loneliness by enabling them to stay connected to family and friends.

The expanded scheme coincides with the launch of a new task force to toughen up enforcement and help councils tackle fraudulent use of the badges.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said:

As a society we don’t do enough for people with hidden disabilities.

I hope this change to Blue Badge guidance will make a real difference to people’s

At the end of 2018, the Local Government Association estimated that the theft of Blue Badges had risen by 45 percent in 12 months and increased six-fold since 2013.

The review will look at ensuring Blue Badges are used correctly and improving public understanding so that those with hidden disabilities can use the badges with confidence.

Minister for Disabled People Justin Tomlinson said:

It’s unacceptable that people with hidden disabilities still face discrimination when using disabled facilities like parking spaces.

Extending the Blue Badge scheme is a watershed moment in ensuring those with hidden disabilities are able to travel with greater ease and live more independent lives.

To help councils with the expected increase in applications, the department has agreed with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to provide £1.7 million in the first year of the programme.

The Department for Transport has been working with specialists to expand the eligibility criteria for the badges, which will now include people who cannot walk as part of a journey without considerable psychological distress or the risk of serious harm.

The Blue Badge scheme already means people with physical disabilities can park closer to their destination than other drivers, as they are less able to take public transport or walk longer distances.

The extension of these badges to those with less visible conditions was announced last summer following an 8 week consultation on widening the eligibility criteria. It is an important part of the government’s drive for greater parity between physical and mental health.

Jane Harris, Director of External Affairs at the National Autistic Society, said:

The changes will make a huge difference to thousands of autistic people and their families across England – helping them to go out in the way many others take for granted.

Just leaving the house is incredibly difficult for many autistic people – and involves detailed preparation. Some autistic people have no concept of the dangers of the road while others are so anxious about plans going wrong, like not being able to find a parking space, that they don’t go out at all. Having a Blue Badge will be life-changing and help many to reduce loneliness and isolation.

A task group will be set up with key organisations to gather ideas and evidence on how to improve the consistency of council enforcement to tackle fraud and misuse.

The review will also look at ensuring that there is greater public awareness of which groups are eligible for a badge, when it can and cannot be used, and how to surrender the badge when it is no longer needed, for example if the badge holder dies.

While the new criteria will give clear and consistent guidelines on Blue Badge eligibility for the whole of England, not everyone with non-physical disabilities will qualify for a badge. It will be up to the relevant local authority to decide if an applicant meets the eligibility criteria, as is currently the case.
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19-06-2019, 11:34 AM
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Re: Blue Badge Scheme Changes

Oh that means if I am scared of parking my car in a carpark I am entitled to a blue badge then? I will have to ask for one

How damn stupid can this country get
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Zuleika
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19-06-2019, 11:53 AM
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Re: Blue Badge Scheme Changes

I don’t think you understood the article .
You can’t get the BB without proof of your eligibility .
This is a step forward for those people and some of their family members with ,as the article says ,hidden disabilities .
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19-06-2019, 12:03 PM
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Re: Blue Badge Scheme Changes

Originally Posted by Zuleika ->
I don’t think you understood the article .
You can’t get the BB without proof of your eligibility .
This is a step forward for those people and some of their family members with ,as the article says ,hidden disabilities .
Indeed,Zuelker,very informative post,thank you.
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19-06-2019, 12:10 PM
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Re: Blue Badge Scheme Changes

They were discussing this on the radio the other day and many do not think they will be able to implement it because there is a lack of resources at local authorities to back up the extra admin.

It's one of those blue sky think tanks that does not have to work out how they will actually get an idea up and running or care about whether there is funding for it.
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19-06-2019, 02:22 PM
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Re: Blue Badge Scheme Changes

Wheelchair users need wide parking spaces in order to get the chair next to the car door (for transferring in and out). These are often in short supply as it is.

If the Blue Badge entitlement is going to be expanded to include non-physically disabled people, further parking spaces ought to be allotted in addition to the existing wide spaces. Otherwise a lot of wheelchair users will stand even less chance of finding a wide disabled parking space than they already do.

Have car parks got the room for more Blue Badge spaces?
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Zuleika
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19-06-2019, 02:22 PM
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Re: Blue Badge Scheme Changes

Originally Posted by AnnieS ->
They were discussing this on the radio the other day and many do not think they will be able to implement it because there is a lack of resources at local authorities to back up the extra admin.

It's one of those blue sky think tanks that does not have to work out how they will actually get an idea up and running or care about whether there is funding for it.
Nevertheless now it’s been spoken about ......?
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19-06-2019, 03:11 PM
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Re: Blue Badge Scheme Changes

I don't think anxiety should qualify for a blue badge .
Most of the country suffers from anxiety
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19-06-2019, 03:26 PM
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Re: Blue Badge Scheme Changes

The review should be seen as a positive thing. There are lots of people in posession of Blue Badges that should not be. They consider it a perk, a bit of special privilege letting them park where other people can't get a space.

My MIL is a prime culprit. She walks just fine, walked 3 miles with us just this weekend but because of some past nonsense (husband disabled) and some other stuff she is in posession of a blue badge.

I berate her constantly for using it. I tell her that someone really disabled might need the space you are abusing. She never changes though.

Even when there are tons of ordinary spaces, she just zips straight into the yellow disabled bays. Like I said, its like VIP status for her.

The government should properly means test everyone with a blue badge.
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Zuleika
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19-06-2019, 03:34 PM
10

Re: Blue Badge Scheme Changes

Originally Posted by Muddy ->
I don't think anxiety should qualify for a blue badge .
Most of the country suffers from anxiety
Most of the country don’t suffer Autism or other related conditions that are assessed by the DWP .
You won’t get a Blue Badge from your county council unless they are satisfied that you receive certain disability benefits .
 
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