Disabled Persons' Parking Badge Scheme
(The Blue Badge Scheme)

2. Options for Change - Eligibility

2.1 Introduction

2.1.1 People who meet at least one of the following criteria have an 'automatic right' to a badge:

• receive the higher rate of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA)^[1];
• are registered blind;
• use a vehicle supplied by a Government Department;
• receive a grant from a government department for their vehicle;
• receive a War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement; or
• have a severe disability in both upper limbs, regularly drive a motor vehicle but cannot turn the steering wheel of a motor vehicle by hand, even if that wheel is fitted with a turning knob.

2.1.2 There is an additional 'discretionary' criterion. Under this, disabled people may be issued with a badge if they have a permanent and substantial disability that means they are unable to walk or have very considerable difficulty in walking. The local authority has responsibility for assessing those applications, but currently they may also consult the applicant's GP who may be asked to answer a series of questions to help determine whether the person is eligible.

2.1.3 It was clear from the TRL survey of local authorities that there is a lack of consistency in approach to the issue of discretionary badges, resulting in wide variations in different areas and uncertainty in the interpretation of the discretionary criterion.

2.1.4 DPTAC, supported by many of those who participated in the discussion groups, consider that it is very important to review eligibility for the scheme. The de facto variation in eligibility is seen as a current weakness that greatly devalues the scheme for those who rely upon its concessions for their day to day mobility.

2.2 Eligibility Criteria

2.2.1 A number of concerns have been raised by stakeholders about the current automatic and discretionary eligibility criteria including:

• whether all those who are entitled to a badge automatically have mobility problems which justify the issue of a badge;
• inconsistencies in the issue of badges have arisen between local authorities because the discretionary criterion is too broad and insufficient guidance has been provided on interpretation; and
• people are now receiving badges for a wider range of mobility problems than was originally intended.

2.2.2 DPTAC recommended that discretionary criteria should only be used for those aged 66 or over who, but for their age, would have met the criteria for the higher rate mobility component of the DLA. This approach was not supported in the discussion groups where participants considered that discretionary criteria should be retained for all age groups to provide a safety net for those who really need a badge but cannot qualify under other criteria, or who choose not to apply for the qualifying benefit.

2.2.3 Currently the scheme applies only to those over the age of two. Strong representations have been made that children under this age whose physical needs require the transport of medical or other support equipment at all times, such as oxygen cylinders, should be included under the automatic criteria. It is believed that there are only a small number of children, estimated to be less than 12,000, who would be affected by this change. The discussion groups generally supported this extension.

2.2.4 There was no general agreement within the discussion groups on the changes that should be made to the eligibility criteria. Respondents are invited to make recommendations on eligibility.

2.3.1 Regardless of the whether changes are made to the eligibility criteria there will still be a need for at least some applications to be subject to a detailed assessment before a badge can be issued.

2.3.2 Currently, local authorities often ask a discretionary applicant's GP to verify that the individual meets the criteria for a blue badge. It is generally agreed that this is an unsatisfactory arrangement for both the GP and the administrators of the scheme. The GP-patient relationship can be compromised and the GP is not always best placed to assess an individual's eligibility. Many of those in the discussion groups agreed that the applicant's GP should be removed from any direct involvement in the system to reduce the administrative burden on them.

2.3.3 Removing the applicant's GP from the process would require a more suitable assessment technique and procedure to be put in place. It is argued that other healthcare professionals could be used; for example occupational therapists or contracted medical advisors. The discussion groups generally supported such an approach, to ensure that applications are assessed fully.

2.3.4 DPTAC recommended that local authority staff, trained in mobility issues, should be responsible for assessing eligibility. Applicants would need to complete a detailed standard questionnaire and would then be interviewed by these staff. There was general agreement within the discussion groups that a detailed standard questionnaire should be developed to help in the assessment of applications. However, some felt that a form of medical opinion should still be required in assessing applications, although not from the applicant's GP.

2.3.5 Recommendations are invited on the assessment process.