Written Statement: Review of the Blue Badge Scheme in Wales

As part of the Welsh Government’s commitment to enhancing transport accessibility through our Travel for All agenda, we are continuously working to ensure that our transport systems meet the needs of all individuals. Barriers to transport have significant impacts on people’s lives; losing confidence, their independence and ability to access employment, education and vital public services. I am pleased to provide an update on our progress with the Blue Badge Scheme, reflecting our ongoing commitment to improving accessibility and inclusivity.

In 2019, the Senedd Equality, Local Government, and Communities Committee undertook an “Inquiry into the Blue Badge Scheme in Wales: Eligibility and Implementation” in 2019 and made recommendations on improving the management of the scheme. 

One of the key recommendations of the inquiry was for the Welsh Government to review the eligibility criteria for the Blue Badge Scheme. In response, we commissioned our Internal Research Programme to conduct a comprehensive review. 

This research sought to:

• understand how robust the Blue Badge Scheme assessment processes are.
• understand the literature regarding current blue badge eligibility criteria to allow for future research into the widening of the criteria. 
• explore the factors leading to successful and unsuccessful blue badge applications.

I am pleased to announce the work is now complete and is published today, including recommendations, which have all been accepted by the Welsh Government. I remain committed to taking the necessary steps to ensure the continued success of the scheme. 

Since the 2019 inquiry, my officials have made significant strides in improving the operation of the Blue Badge Scheme, working collaboratively with local authorities and other stakeholders including Disability Motoring UK and the British Parking Association. 

These improvements include:

• Additional training for all local authority staff on the eligibility criteria in Wales, together with provision by the Independent Advisory Service and health care professionals of a wider range of information to help local authority staff better understand conditions and symptoms and their impact on mobility.
• A workshop on the social model of disability was delivered to local authority blue badge staff and stakeholders from the Blue Badge Workgroup, led by a trainer with lived experience of impairments who was a blue badge holder.
• Consistency of local authority assessments and sharing of best practice has been highlighted through meetings, focus groups and improved assessment tools.
• Enforcement training for all local authorities in Wales to protect the scheme and help blue badge holders to access parking. 

Work is progressing on encouraging local authorities to follow a more streamlined process for future re-applications by badge holders with degenerative conditions.  A workgroup with the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) in June will also provide opportunity to consider developing good practice with local authorities on how those needing help and support when applying are assisted.

I am also committed to convening an expert group that will work with local authorities and the WLGA to explore how we can better share data and reduce the burden on badge applicants. The UK Department of Transport also provides the Blue Badge Digital System, which is helping streamline the application process and assisting local authorities in administering the scheme. 

The Welsh Government remains fully committed to ensuring that people with the greatest barriers to mobility can access the on-street parking concessions that are essential to their social inclusion and quality of life. Our goal is to make the process of obtaining a blue badge as efficient, effective, and stress-free as possible, while maintaining the scheme’s integrity and ensuring it continues to serve its vital purpose.