Blue Badge Scheme

Implementing the Blue Badge Reform
Programme - Consultation Document
extracts :

On March 22nd, the Department published for consultation a package of proposals to allow us to achieve our goals for improving the Blue Badge Scheme. This consultation sets out how we propose to:

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? distribute funding to local authorities to help them to establish robust Badge eligibility assessment practices;

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? amend the primary legislation that covers the Blue Badge scheme. In particular, on appeals, guidance to local authorities on independent medical assessments, data-sharing, non-residents, organisational badges and other administrative arrangements.

The consultation can be found at
www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/open/2010-20/.

(re quoted text in bold) Another opportunity for ATOS?

extract from: march2010.pdf

A team of researchers from Integrated Transport
Planning and TAS have carried out in-depth interviews
with the 8 Blue Badge Centres of Excellence and 25
other local authorities to gather evidence of good
administration and eligibility assessment practices.
The project is investigating good practices throughout the whole Badge administration process, in terms of fairness and targeting, cost-efficiency, resistance to misuse and abuse and customer-friendliness. The work is specifically focussing on identifying, developing and promoting robust eligibility assessments.

Together with ITP and TAS, we have held two
workshops with stakeholders to inform the work and to test the emerging findings.

<cynic mode>Gives bureaucrats something to justify their jargo-babbling existence.</cynic mode>
Has anyone else come to instinctively detest that term "stakeholders", and distrust those who use it?

Hi,
The fact that you have been awarded a Blue Badge would not automatically entitle you to DLA mobility, BUT, in my case, the medical evidence sent by my GP in support of my Blue Badge(which I got), has been presented to my appeal because my GP give an opinion on my walking ability, and it supports what I have claimed in my DLA application.

kathy

I got turned down flat for DLA but scored enough points to go into the work related group of ESA as I scored 15 points for not being able to walk more than 50 metres.

I was hesitant to apply for a Blue Badge as I wasn't in receipt of HRM and ME/CFS is difficult to claim with.

I thought I didn't really have anything to lose so sent off my application form on Tuesday and to my utter surprise and glee I got my badge in the post Saturday morning. No medical, and they hadn't written to my GP either!

I'm wondering if the council has access to the DWP system (I know they do for housing/council tax benefit purposes) and they saw from my ESA medical about my mobility problems?

It's the only thing I can think of. They got my form Wednesday and posted it back to me on Friday so it was super quick.

Hi Sassy,

I think the DWP and local authorities can exchange information on benefits, but I don't think they can exchange information in connection with a Blue Badge application.

Many who don't receive DLA can still qualify for a Blue Badge. It would appear that your local authority's policy on this is a good one.

Regretfully, for those not in receipt of DLA, there is no common scheme that all local authorities have to follow for issuing a Blue Badge, they use their discretion.

Still, best not to try and critically analyse why you got your BB, just glad that you did and hope it brings you the benefits it's designed for.

Kind regards.

Jim

Thanks Jim!

I think you're right and I won't try and find out why, I was just SO surprised I got it without help from my GP or a medical, I was expecting atleast one of them to happen but I'm so so grateful for it, it's going to make SUCH a difference for me!

It just goes to show it's always worth applying for one though, never say never!

Hi Sassy,

Some local authorities are stricter than others, for those who don't automatically qualify due to not being in receipt of DLA HRM. For example, in South Cumbria where I live, those not in receipt of DLA HRM have to be assessed by an Occupational Therapist. Other areas accept what the applicant tells them about their condition, some contact GP's, others don't, so a bit of a 'mish mash'.

However, do take advantage of your BB, be it on public roads or private parking areas such as supermarkets. Incidently, if there are no BB spaces vacant there, you are allowed to use 'mother and child' spaces.

Full info on the BB scheme is HERE on the Dept of Transport site.

Best wishes.

Jim