Council will not impose £10 fee for blue badges

Disabled people in Staffordshire will not have to pay the £10 charge for their blue badges despite Government recommendations.

It emerged today that the county council will not be enforcing the parking permit fee being brought in nationwide from January 1.

Other authorities across the Midlands are expected to introduce the charge, with Wolverhampton, Dudley and Wyre Forest councils so far confirming they have plans to levy the fee.

However Staffordshire County Council's cabinet member for adults' wellbeing, Matthew Ellis, said the cost will be met from council coffers.

"Staffordshire is a very rural county and for many disabled people their car is a lifeline," he said. "Whilst Government have suggested a £10 charge, and most areas have adopted that approach, we will not be passing on the cost in Staffordshire. The county council has fundamentally improved the way the blue badges are processed which means we have reduced those processing costs substantially.

"This is another example of how our careful and balanced management of finances means we can continue to deliver the vital front line services that matter."

Wolverhampton City Council confirmed earlier this month it is considering introducing a £10 charge for badges for the first time.