Agenda item

Report of the Executive Director of People

The Leader introduced the report (previously circulated) of the Executive Director of People to update Members on the current issues which are affecting Blue Badge Applications and to agree the recommendations outlined in the report.

The report explained that the existing blue badge application process which is aligned with the government is experiencing backlog in applications and as a result there is an increase in complaints. This report outlined the revisions made to the process which included the introduction, changes to eligible conditions, procedures and revisions to the process that will address these issues in both the interim and moving forward.

RESOLVED – It is recommended that:

(a)    An automatic extension of the blue badge after expiry, or those that are soon to expire, meaning these can be used without risk of a fine.

(b)   New eligibility conditions.

(c)    Note the procedural revisions underway across the service. (d) Increase the Service Level Agreement from 20 days to 12 weeks.

(d)    Note the contents of the Equality Impact Assessment.

REASONS  - The recommendations are supported by the following reasons: -

(a)    There is currently a high volume of backlog applications for blue badges and an increase in complaints because of this.

(b)   Existing eligibility conditions have not been refreshed for several years.

(c)    Revisions to internal procedures to further improve the application process