Publicising a helpline (if sufficiently resourced to be useful) also serves as a deterrent to potential fraudulent Blue Badge users and it instils confidence among people with impairments that the council is responding to this serious issue. In cases where the local authority has accepted and processed an application by telephone, post or electronically and have not seen the applicant, the local authority may prefer that the applicant collects the badge. For example Motor Neurone Disease (MND) or some cancers. Ensuring all successful applicants are properly informed of - and understand - what they can and cannot do with a badge (and when / how it should be returned to the issuing authority) is likely to reduce the chances of accidental misuse occurring and avoid disputes. a person with a serious illness where the treatment may be debilitating, for example treatment for cancer; a person with severe functional leg impairments who is awaiting or who has undergone joint replacement (e.g. An individuals eligibility for a Blue Badge is considered in terms of being eligible with or without further assessment. People with these conditions may be eligible for a badge, but only if they are in receipt of HRMCDLA on account of their condition or are unable to walk or have very considerable difficulty in walking, in addition to their condition. Local authorities will need to capture core data in order to determine eligibility and to process the application through the BBDS to obtain the badge. It is used to monitor where a child may need access to oxygen, Casts and associated medical equipment for the correction of hip dysplasia: between birth and six months of age, a brace called a Pavlik Harness can be used to hold the babys hips in position. Local authority personnel should also be aware of remote access facilities offered by BBDS which allow civil enforcement officers and local authority empowered individuals to access a limited section of the BBDS database from a 3G device. You are not completely unable to walk, have considerable difficulty walking or have substantial impairment to mobility. The BBDS will enable quicker and easier verification checks by civil enforcement officers. It is for the local authority to decide whether they will accept only originals or certified photocopies of documents. the details of your current Blue Badge (if you're reapplying). This will be the case where a personclearly meets the criteria and their impairment will not improve, such as a double amputee. The fact that a walking aid is or is not used may be relevant to the eventual decision, but this alone should not determine whether or not a Blue Badge is issued. In cases where this is not possible badges may be delivered to the local authority office for collection. It is more difficult to verify lost badges, because very few police authorities will provide an incident number for lost articles. This may include people with, for example: a limb reduction deficiency of both arms; bilateral upper limb amputation; muscular dystrophy; spinal cord injury; motor neurone disease; or a condition of comparable severity. You can change your cookie settings at any time. Local authorities will need to ensure that they check the BBDS for any applications received through GOV.UK. There are currently no formal reciprocal arrangements in place for disabled parking badges issued outside the UK. GOV.WALES uses cookies which are essential for the site to work. An applicant who is registered blind or as severely sight impaired will often be registered with the local authoritys Social Services Department (or their agents). Applications or renewals for Blue Badges must be made through the online system on the gov.uk website. Apply for a disabled parking space on the public highway, Find disabled parking in Swansea car parks. Part of: Parking, Blue Badges and road offences. You might have to pay to use off-street car parks, such as: Examples may include: This list is indicative only and is not intended to be exhaustive: all applications will need to be considered on their individual merits. In these circumstances applicants who apply for a badge are expected to provide healthcare professional evidence to support their application. A person who without reasonable excuse fails to produce a badge when required to do so shall be guilty of an offence under section 21 (4BD) of the Act and liable to a fine not exceeding 1000. You'll need some information to apply or re-apply for a Blue Badge. Local authorities should ask for a copy of the original letter if the HRMCDLA has been awarded within a period of 12 months prior to the date of the application for a Blue Badge. This should be part of a training package which includes wider equality issues. In these circumstances a badge would not only be necessary to that person for periods but will become increasingly essential. Badges can be abused or misused in a number of different ways and it is important that local authorities are vigilant. The length of time that an applicant is able to walk for. Get further help with a Blue Badge. Having a common system for processing Blue Badge information and securely printing and distributing badges prevents many types of fraud and abuse. We can then make an appointment at theCivic Centre, Oystermouth Road, Swansea SA1 3SN at a convenient time. This ensures that civil enforcement officers and the police checking the validity of badges displayed in vehicles are able to check badge details. It is important to collect strong evidence against potential fraudsters. Applications made under the temporary eligibility category will need to be subject to a robust assessment process. Local authorities can be flexible in how they use these powers, to address their own local circumstances and the specifics of each case. If youare recovering from, or awaiting treatment for serious illnesses or injuries you may qualify for a temporary 12 month badge. See regulation 8(3) of the 2000 regulations. Local authorities can refuse to issue a badge if they have reason to believe that the applicant is not who they claim to be. Surveillance can identify cases of suspected systematic abuse and build up evidence that can later be used to prosecute a person. If they wish to appeal against their PIP award, then they should be directed to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). 13. Youll need a recent digital photo showing your head and shoulders. It is recommended that local authorities include declarations at the end of the application form for the applicant to review and sign. If the badge is subsequently found or recovered, the original badge should be returned to the local authority so that it can be destroyed (Footnote 16). The photo should be recent and show the applicants face clearly. Most local authorities have an internal fraud investigation team to consider council tax / benefit fraud etc. Local authorities should make it clear when issuing the badge that it should be returned to them on expiry, or if the recipient no longer needs it, because the condition under which it was issued no longer applies. It is important that detailed information on the eligibility criteria is provided to all applicants at an early stage to provide realistic expectations and prevent time being wasted by applicants who do not meet the criteria. The social model of disability makes an important distinction between impairment and disability. WebIf you already have a Blue Badge and its nearly expired, or if you want to check if you're eligible you can apply or re-apply online on GOV.UK. You can apply for yourself, someone The line can also be used for injecting medication, Syringe drivers: are used to deliver medication by intravenous injection (e.g. You can follow the link provided here to tailor your experience, or accept all and continue on this page. The applicantmaybedeemedeligible ifthey canwalk50-80 metres (approximately 55 to 87.5 yards) without pain or breathlessness, but demonstrate very considerable difficulty in walking through a combination of other factors(e.g. There are cases where an applicant will have been diagnosed with a condition that is permanent and chronic, but the condition may be subject to fluctuations and periods where the person is more mobile. In the case of stolen badges, it is recommended that the authority ask badge holders to provide a police crime reference number for the local authorities to include in their records. Blue badge disabled parking permits - a Freedom of Information request to Swansea Council - WhatDoTheyKnow Blue badge disabled parking permits BBC Shared Data Unit made this Freedom of Information request to Swansea Council as part of a batch sent to 216 authorities This request has been closed to new correspondence. As part of their role, it is important that there is effective communication between the teams that issue Blue Badges and those that conduct on-street parking enforcement. Respect for the individual and privacy of gender history are of paramount importance and it is recommended that a Gender Recognition Certificate not be requested as proof of identity. Where you cannot park. Local authorities who receive an application under the temporary criteria will need to check if the applicant has supporting evidence from health providers or social services. Find out about blue badges, applying for a disabled parking space on the public highway and mobility hire in the city centre. The applicant may still be considered eligible if they demonstrate very considerable difficulty in walking through any other factors. You can follow the link provided here to tailor your experience, or accept all and continue on this page. The applicants driving license should be coded as either of the following: Each Blue Badge application should be treated on a case-by-case basis and the final decision about whether an applicant meets the criterion is for the issuing local authority to make. See regulation 9(1)(b) of the 2000 regulations. For example, if an applicant is only able to walk for less than one minute in total then walking is likely to be very difficult for them. Check if you are eligible for a Blue Badge, Please select the option that applies to you. If you do not agree with the decision not to award a Blue Badge to you and have information or evidence that was not given with your original application, you should send it to us within one calendar month of the date of the decision letter we sent you. Your Blue Badge is not renewed automatically. A carer can apply on behalf of any applicant however they must read and sign the declarations within the application, stating their relationship to the applicant. Lost, stolen, faded or damaged Blue Badges. Where a badge has been issued by a different authority, enforcement teams can ask their local authority to check the status of that badge with the relevant authority. When using this marker to check that the correct badge holder is using the badge, officers should be aware of, and deal sensitively with, individuals who may have undergone - or be undergoing - gender reassignment. Read more information about Blue Badge eligibility. A Spica cast can be either plaster or fibreglass and will encase the child from the chest down to cover one leg or both. If the information available is not sufficient to make a decision on the application the local authority may wish to interview the person further or refer them to the Independent Assessment Service. In such circumstances these applicants should be made aware of the local authoritys standard complaints procedure, in the same way that any other user of the local authoritys services would be informed of their right to complain. It is important in assessing eligibility for a Blue Badge that the assessment process correctly identifies people who require a Badge to overcome the barriers they face in accessing services. See regulation 7(1) of the 2000 regulations. providing false information on the application form or making multiple applications) or using a badge obtained fraudulently, using someone elses badge (with or without the badge holders knowledge) without the badge holder being present in the vehicle, using a badge belonging to someone who has died, they do not produce the badge for inspection by a civil enforcement officer or the police, they use a badge when they are not entitled/no longer entitled, they are using a badge which belongs to another person with or without consent, they are using a badge which a local authority has requested be returned, allow their badge to be used by someone not entitled, use a forged badge or has one in his possession and, provide false information to obtain a badge for himself or anyone else, use a badge when they are not entitled/ no longer entitled, are using a badge which belongs to another person with or without consent, are using a badge which a local authority has requested be returned or, the organisation using the badge has ceased to exist, a replacement badge has been issued where a badge is lost/stolen and that badge is subsequently recovered, the badge is no longer required by the holder, there exists a relevant conviction in relation to misuse of the badge or, the badge was obtained by false representation, the Theft Act 1968 (in particular sections 1 and 22) may be used to prosecute anyone found guilty of stealing or handling stolen badges, Section 329(1)(c) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 may offer another means of obtaining a conviction where someone is in possession of a stolen Blue Badge or uses a stolen Blue Badge knowing it to be stolen, it is possible in certain circumstances for Courts to disqualify persistent offenders from driving for a period of time under section 146 of the Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000 and, there have been cases where people have attempted to sell badges through web-sites and social media platforms. See regulation 8(3) of the 2000 regulations. Applicants should also be reminded that if they consider that there have been procedural irregularities in dealing with their applications, they can report their cases to the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales. See regulation 9(1)(c) of the 2000 regulations. 7. The applicant should be reminded in their decision letter that they have a duty to return the badge to the local authority if at any time their mobility improves. Badges can also be withdrawn after one relevant conviction. We would also encourage issuing authorities to work closely with their enforcement authorities and act on information supplied by enforcement officers. You can request it for yourself or someone else. Local authorities should note that the lists provided above are indicative only and are not intended to be exhaustive in order to allow for new advances in technology and treatment equipment. A local authority will need to ask the applicant to provide further evidence. In these circumstances, where a local authority receives an application and refuses to issue a badge they are required to issue a notice stating the grounds for refusal to the applicant (Footnote 11). The Welsh Government aims to use appropriate language in line with the social model. The Welsh Government is responsible for the policy and legislative framework for the Scheme. It can take up to 12 weeks to process an application. This is considered to be good practice because a badge holder is less likely to falsely claim that a badge has been stolen if required to formally report this to the police. Bear in mind that healthcare professionals do encourage mild exercise to improve certain conditions so these cases will need to be looked at and considered on an individual basis. When you apply you will need to provide an original award letter from the Ministry of Defence. Separate guidance on how to use the BBDS is available: BBDS guidance (confluence). Using your Blue Badge. BBDS will send out the badge to an address as specified by the local authority. We will look again at the decision taking into account the extra evidence. In no circumstances should a badge be issued to an applicant who does not meet one of the eligibility criteria set out in the legislation that governs the scheme and badges should never be issued to people solely on the basis of their age. in disabled parking spaces. To qualify under this criteria an applicant must have a permanent and substantial disability (i.e. No pavement or road is absolutely flat therefore a degree of incline and decline should be considered in the course of a mobility assessment. This eligibility criteria is for people who are unable to apply for PIP because they are not of working age or choose not to apply for PIP. For example civil enforcement officers may use hand held Personal Digital Assistance type devices, or use the Global System for Mobile Communication network to check the national database for key information about the status of individual badges. Councils can charge up to 20 for a Blue Badge. Even if they are not present, the badge holder may have been dropped at that place or may be being picked up from that place. The rightful owner can take action to recover the goods through the civil courts. From six months and over a child can be placed in a Spica cast after surgery. Local authorities should be aware that it is not appropriate to refuse to issue to an applicant a Blue Badge solely on the basis that they are able to use public transport independently or because they already have a concessionary travel pass. Blue Badge charge The charge for a Blue Badge can be up to 20. Offenders can be prosecuted and face a fine of up to 1,000 on conviction. The Blue Badge scheme provides a national range of parking concessions to help people who are severely sight impaired, or permanently physically impaired, travel independently. Mobility Activity 1 plus Mobility Activity 2. The Blue Badge scheme provides a national range of parking concessions to help people who are severely sight impaired, or permanently physically impaired, travel independently. Policy and background Includes The majority of Blue Badges issued will be for a three year period (Footnote 3). If you already have a Blue Badge and its nearly expired, or if you want to check if you're eligibleyou can apply or re-applyonlineon GOV.UK. Local authorities are responsible for checking that applicants have provided relevant and sufficient evidence in support of their application. If a badge has been issued, the local authority can require its return under Regulation 9(2)(b) of the Disabled Persons (Badges for Motor Vehicles)(Wales) Regulations 2000. This includes: The Welsh Government cannot intervene in individual applications. The rules under which badges are awarded are set by the Welsh Government. If you have physical problems or a cognitive impairment and would have difficulty accessing the online form you can arrange an appointment to help you submit the form. This kind of approach may require some joined up working with private land owners or developers as without this local authorities are not empowered to enforce the scheme off-street. It is for local authorities to decide which delivery system to use and whether the delivery address should be to the applicants home address or to a local authority office where it can be collected. If your Blue Badge has been lost or stolen, is faded or damaged then you will need to contact us for a new badge. If the organisation uses a vehicle to transport disabled people who would normally get a badge themselves they may be able to get a Blue Badge for the organisation. Your eligibility will be checked every time you reapply. GOV.WALES uses cookies which are essential for the site to work. The Blue Badge (Disabled Persons Parking) scheme was introduced in 1971 under section 21 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970. The charge to reapply for a Blue Badge can be up to 20. After you apply Your local council processes your application. Applicant is in receipt of Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (HRMCDLA), An original HRMCDLA award letter dated within the last 12 months, Applicant is in receipt of War Pensioners Mobility Supplement, Applicant is in receipt of Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (tariff 1-8), An original award letter, which also certifies that you have a permanent and substantial disability which causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty walking, People awarded Tariff 6, - Permanent Mental Disorder of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, An original award letter which demonstrates that the applicant has been awarded tariff 6 - Permanent Mental Disorder under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, Applicant is registered as sight impaired under section 29(4)(g) of the National Assistance Act 1948, An ophthalmologist report or CV1/BD8 form confirming that the person is severely sight impaired (blind) or registration with local authority as sight impaired. In order to meet this duty a public authority must embed equality considerations in everything they do, including decisions relating to the design and delivery of parking enforcement. A photograph is taken of each badge and booklet dispatched by BBDS as evidence that they have been sent to the badge applicant. Photographs do not need to be provided for organisational badges. This process can be made easier through the use of technology. Support may be available from Citizens Advice, British Red Cross, Age UK, Shaw Trust or you can contact SCVS for details of other support organisations. Ensuring that only eligible people are issued badges is the first step. When the local authority has determined that an application meets the criteria they will need to process the application details through BBDS Manage Blue Badges web-app (or via their own Case Management System). This process may be easier if local authorities work together to share information on lost and stolen badges in their area. In all circumstances, badges must be issued to the organisation and not to individual employees. If you can't access online systems there are computers available in the Civic Centre, our community hubs and local libraries. when the badge is lost or stolen), amends the existing inspection power so that authorised enforcement officers in plain clothes may inspect badges (this was limited to constables and specified enforcement officers who in consequence of other legislation generally had to be uniformed), provide constables and enforcement officers with power to retain a badge that has been produced to them and which is cancelled, due for return, being misused or fake, clarify the existing offences relating to the wrongful use of Blue Badges to put beyond doubt that it is an offence to use a badge that should have been returned and apply the same offences to a badge that has been cancelled, has already been cancelled e.g. If you do not agree with the decision made not to award a Blue Badge to you but do not have any extra information or evidence you wish to present, we will look at the decision again but it is unlikely to be changed. You do not receive Personal Independent Payment (PIP) with a score of 8 points or more for moving around or 12 points for planning and following a journey. It is recommended that local authorities have a clear policy on how much, and under which circumstances, they will charge for a replacement badge and organisational badge. We are aware of some cases where local authorities believe people may be trying to use fake badges, claiming they have been issued by another country, and enforcement officers have remained suspicious about their validity. The leaflet explains clearly their rights and responsibilities as a badge holder along with other useful information about where badge holders can park. 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