'Let us have our blue badge back' - father's anger at disabled guideline changes
Blue badge holders have won a ‘small victory’ after town hall bosses agreed to reconsider extending parking privileges that have been lost to many disabled motorists and their families.
But one parent, whose son lost his blue badge after 12 years following a national review of the system, is calling for Dudley Council to act now.
A number of blue badge holders lost out due to a ‘technical error’ when those who qualified under Disability Living Allowance rules were moved over to Personal Independent Payment.
Michael Hands’ son Phillip, aged 29, who has severe mental impairment, epilepsy and autism could not renew his blue badge in December under the new rules.
A High Court judgement ruled against the Government, which is in the process of reviewing its guidelines.
But when Mr Hands went to Dudley Council to re-apply for the badge, he was told he would have to wait until the change was ratified by Parliament.
The retired care manager from Wordsley said: “We’re very angry.
"I’ve studied the guidelines and it clearly states that local councils can decide on a case-by-case basis and they have autonomy to make that decision.
“We’re asking them to be compassionate and let us have the badge back now.
"Under the new laws, you don’t qualify for a badge if you can physically walk but our son is 6ft tall with the mental capacity of a four year old and needs someone to hold his hand at all times when he’s out. It’s a health and safety issue.”
UKIP councillor Paul Brothwood tried to bring in an immediate temporary renewal but had to dilute his motion to get wider council approval.
"The authority has agreed to hold talks on re-issuing the badges.
“It’s a victory but it means I had to water down what I initially wanted to do,” he said afterwards.
Mr Hands, aged 59, described it as a small victory but added: “This is not an instant result and a discussion on the issue could take months. In the meantime my son’s safety is at risk.”
Mr Hands and his wife have been campaigning for months on the matter without success and say they are on the brink of going to the Ombudsman.
The blue badge scheme was launched in 1970 to allow disabled people to park on roads close to their destination without charge, and normally without time limit.
The new national guidelines will go out to consultation before a final decision is made.
