Councillor Michael Armstrong, Cabinet Member for Transformation, introduced the report.

The report informed Cabinet of the forthcoming national changes to the Blue Badge scheme; and sought approval to increase the administration charge to successful applicants.

The current charge for a Blue Badge was £2, which was the maximum local authorities were allowed to charge.  The Government had amended legislation so that the maximum Blue Badge fee that Local Authorities could charge would rise to £10.

Reasons for the decision:

The decision to implement the Blue Badge Improvement Service (BBIS) had been taken to meet the requirements of Blue Badge Reform Programme announced by Norman Baker (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport) on 14 February 2011.

The Blue Badge Scheme Local Authority Guidance (England) issued by the Department for Transport in June 2011 confirmed that the Government intended to increase the maximum fee that a local authority may charge for the issue of a Blue Badge to £10.  This sum would help fund the administrative and other processes required in providing secure Blue Badges.

Other options considered:

As it was a statutory requirement to implement the BBIS, no other options were considered.

Members commented that the proposed increase in the charge for the Blue Badge was reasonable, and the measures would assist in the prevention of Blue Badge fraud.

Cabinet AGREED:

1.         To note the introduction by the Department for Transport of the Blue Badge Improvement Service with effect from 1 January 2012.

2                    To agree to the proposed increase in administration charges from £2 to £10 for each successful Blue Badge application, replacement or renewal with effect from 1January 2012; thereby recovering associated costs.

3.                  To note the Department for Transport’s requirement for the Mobility Assessment of all Blue Badge applicants with effect from 1 January 2012.

4.                  To note that the changes would not affect the existing facility for Blue Badge holders with the greatest need (those who qualify for the Badge without the need for further assessment) to park for free in Council car parks.