Written Question · S6W-37958 · Session 6
Whether it provides guidance, or allows automatic or simplified Blue Badge renewal, for individuals with progressive conditions such as Par…
The question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it provides guidance, or allows automatic or simplified Blue Badge renewal, for individuals with progressive conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, and, if so, how it makes eligible people aware of this.
The answer
The reapplication process is required by the legislation, with the maximum period of issue for a Blue Badge being 3 years. This mitigates the potential for fraudulent applications being submitted and ensures that local authorities meet the needs and demands of future audits.At a minimum of every 3 years, local authorities need to be satisfied that existing Blue Badge holders continue to reside in the same local authority area and still meet the eligibility criteria. This helps to ensure that the Blue Badge, an extremely valuable concession, is protected from misuse and fraud.Transport Scotland recommends that applicants who have previously been assessed by a regulated healthcare professional and have been deemed as requiring no further assessment for future badge applications should be able to experience a quicker and easier process when they come to re-apply for a blue badge.It is recommended that the local authority or regulated healthcare professional should make eligible applicants aware of their ‘not for reassessment’ status after the assessment process has been completed. Following this process, eligible applicants can reapply by completing the ‘Not for Reassessment’ (NFR) application form issued by their local authority.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S6W-37958 by reference.