LGA responds to extension of blue badge scheme

“Councils know that Blue Badges are a vital lifeline for disabled people which help them get out and about to visit shops or family and friends and many have already been approving badges for people with non-physical disabilities.

“Theft and misuse of Blue Badges under the existing scheme is on the rise. Despite limited resources, councils are trying to crack down on dishonest motorists by prosecuting offenders and seizing Blue Badges suspected of being used illegally, so it is good that the Government has listened to our concerns and has committed to a review which will support councils in tackling fraudulent use.

“With councils having lost 60p out of every £1 in central government funding between 2010 and 2020, we are pleased the Government is to provide funding for the first year of the programme. The Spending Review needs to ensure this becomes ongoing funding which fully matches the cost to councils of administering this new Blue Badge scheme, managing potential increased applications and demand for parking spaces and tackling this ongoing rise in fraudulent use.

“People can help councils win the fight against Blue Badge fraud, by tipping us off about people they suspect are illegally using a badge, bearing in mind this new eligibility and that people’s need for a badge might not be obvious.”