Benefits &Blue badges--

Hello everyone.
I have just received my council news in Gateshead.
To my horror I see that my local authority will not be producing Blue Badges anymore.
The badges will be produced from a "Central Source".?
There are changes as to how they assess eligibility at the same time.
At the minute,it is your GP does this, but it seems that this is to change.
They say that they are looking to use Occupational Therapists as a means as to see if you are eligible?.
Also the cost is to rise from £2 to £10 per badge, can any moderator help and do you know if it is to be countrywide??.
Thank You.

bluejay52 wrote:

Hello everyone.
I have just received my council news in Gateshead.
To my horror I see that my local authority will not be producing Blue Badges anymore.
The badges will be produced from a "Central Source".?
There are changes as to how they assess eligibility at the same time.
At the minute,it is your GP does this, but it seems that this is to change.
They say that they are looking to use Occupational Therapists as a means as to see if you are eligible?.
Also the cost is to rise from £2 to £10 per badge, can any moderator help and do you know if it is to be countrywide??.
Thank You.

Hi bluejay

Those in receipt of Higher Rate Mobility of Disability Living Allowance, should continue to automatically qualify.

Otherwise you will need to complete a statement giving details of your mobility problems and the form was signed by your GP, or other professional.

There's a 'tightening up' of the Blue Badge system, which has been open to some abuse in the past, allegedly.

As far as I know local authorities can choose how much to charge. For istance some charge if you lose a badge and need a replacement, others dont. Whether there is to be a nationwide set fee I'm not sure.

Please see -

www.direct.gov.uk/en/disabledpeople/moto...transport/dg_4001061

Regards

Perhaps you should consider moving to Wales The Welsh Govt has decided to stop charging for blue badges in the near future.

And yes, I am Welsh and proud of it!

Forgot to provide link for changes to Blue Badges in Wales:

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-16085973

Please remember that the purpose of this forum is to give general advice/information on benefits.

Whilst those in receipt of DLA HRM automatically qualify for a Blue Badge, not all disabled people qualify.

See About the Blue Badge Scheme

Hi, exactly the same thing is happening in East Sussex where I live. Mine is up for renewal next year, so something else to look forward to