Decision details

A new scheme is being introduced nationally to issue standard blue badges for disabled drivers.  All blue badge issuing authorities must implement the new scheme and may charge for blue badges.  This report sets out proposals for the Council's approach to the new scheme.

(1) To AGREE that a £10 fee will be charged for the issue of a blue badge for all new applications, renewal applications and replacements due to loss or theft processed from 1st April 2012 and this fee will contribute to external fees and internal administration costs;

(2) To AGREE that the basic service will be used and none of the additional options including the data entry, secure posting and fast track posting service will be specified; and

(3) To AGREE that the additional income received is used to for the enforcement of Blue Badge abuse service using a specialist company.

The benefits from adopting the new system for the affected groups are significant. However, the costs for the new system are also significantly higher than the previous system. Therefore charging the full fee of £10, whilst not making the service completely self-funded, does reduce significantly the costs to the authority.

The additional income received will help pay for the enforcement thus reducing complaints and abuse.

Do nothing

This option was rejected as changes to the scheme are significant and improve the service significantly. The authority must participate in the revised scheme if it is to continue in its current role and the new scheme is considered beneficial to all parties.

Charge at a rate less than the full £10 fee

This option was rejected as the service, even at the full rate of £10, is not self-funding.

Do not enforce

This option was rejected due to the high level of complaints and potential loss in income the abuse may cause. Additionally, we have a duty to ensure that all sections of the community can access the facilities available and abuse of parking areas is not a barrier.