Government sets up task force to improve enforcement against Blue Badge fraud

The Government is to set up a task force to improve consistency of enforcement against Blue Badge fraud and help councils tackle misuse.

At the end of 2018, the Local Government Association estimated that the theft of Blue Badges had risen by 45% in 12 months and increased six-fold since 2013.

The review will also look at “ensuring that there is greater public awareness of which groups are eligible for a badge, when it can and cannot be used, and how to surrender the badge when it is no longer needed, for example if the badge holder dies”, the Department for Transport said.

The review was unveiled at the same time as an extension of the scheme to people who have less visible disabilities.

The DfT said that while the new criteria would give guidelines on Blue Badge eligibility for the whole of England, not everyone with non-physical disabilities would qualify for a badge. “It will be up to the relevant local authority to decide if an applicant meets the eligibility criteria, as is currently the case.”

The Department for Transport said: “For drivers or passengers with dementia, anxiety disorders or reduced mobility, the anticipation of travel difficulties such as finding a parking space can build on top of the stress of the journey itself.

“The new guidance, which represents the biggest change to the scheme since the 1970s, will offer a lifeline to people who often find road travel difficult by providing better access to work and other amenities. It will also help combat loneliness by enabling them to stay connected to family and friends.”

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “As a society we don’t do enough for people with hidden disabilities. I hope this change to Blue Badge guidance will make a real difference to people’s lives.”

The DfT has agreed with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to provide £1.7m in the first year of the programme, to help councils with an expected increase in applications.