The Labour government has issued a significant update regarding potential changes to the Blue Badge parking scheme, following calls from a Liberal Democrat MP to broaden its eligibility rules.
Parliamentary Call for Broader Access
In a recent parliamentary move, a Liberal Democrat MP formally asked the Secretary of State for Transport to consider the potential merits of widening the eligibility criteria for the Blue Badge scheme. This initiative seeks to help more drivers with mobility challenges gain access to crucial parking concessions.
Responding on behalf of the government, Labour's Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood, affirmed the administration's commitment to the scheme. He stated that the government fully recognises the importance of supporting individuals whose mobility is affected by substantial and enduring disabilities and other health conditions.
Government's Stance and Historical Context
Mr Lightwood explained that the Department for Transport collaborates closely with local authorities and stakeholders to ensure the Blue Badge system remains fair, effective, and focused on those who need it most. He highlighted that the current criteria are centred on the impact on an applicant's mobility, rather than specific diagnoses.
The minister also pointed to a key development from 2019, when the department consulted on extending eligibility to include people with non-visible, or hidden, disabilities. This was a major step in modernising the scheme to better reflect the spectrum of mobility issues.
Ongoing Research and Future Considerations
Beyond the Westminster government's actions, separate research is underway in the devolved nations. In 2023, the Welsh Government commissioned an Internal Research Programme to review the Blue Badge Scheme in Wales.
The primary goal of this Welsh research is to generate evidence to inform a decision on whether the current eligibility criteria should be expanded. A secondary aim is to assess the robustness of the assessment processes used by local authorities when issuing badges.
The Blue Badge Scheme, established under the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970, provides vital parking concessions. These concessions are designed to offer people with severe health conditions better access to essential services and facilities, underpinned by detailed regulations that set out the criteria and administration of the scheme.
