Blue Badge Scheme (Older People)

To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to simplify access to the blue badge scheme for older people who are in receipt of pension-age disability payment who have significant mobility difficulties. (S7O-00418)

The administration and delivery of the blue badge scheme, including decisions on individual applications, are the responsibility of local authorities. Transport Scotland provides the legislative framework and non-statutory guidance and works closely with local authorities to support the effective administration of the scheme across Scotland.

As the pension-age disability payment does not include a mobility component, it does not provide automatic entitlement. However, recipients may still qualify if they meet the eligibility criteria. Local authorities can provide assistance throughout the application process to help ensure that those who are eligible are able to access the support that is available to them.

The blue badge scheme is extremely important to people who are in need of it. People can fall off a cliff edge in relation to that need because, even though they have had a blue badge, it does not follow on when they receive the pension-age disability payment. I have been contacted by several constituents who are over the age of 65 and who are experiencing difficulties reobtaining a blue badge, despite having held one previously.

Does the cabinet secretary agree that older people with significant long-term mobility difficulties should not have to navigate such a burdensome process? Will she undertake to speak to colleagues in the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, in the light of the review of local authority services, to see whether the process can be simplified, to ensure that those in need get the support that they rightly deserve?

The requirement to reapply for a blue badge every three years is set out in legislation and applies equally to all badge holders. Local authorities must periodically confirm eligibility and residency while they protect the integrity of the scheme. To reduce administrative burdens, Transport Scotland has provided shortened reapplication forms, and it continues to work closely with local authorities and Social Security Scotland to identify further opportunities for streamlining. This is the type of challenge that public service reform seeks to address by bringing organisations together to make services more seamless, efficient and person centred for those who rely on them.