Written question asked by Dai Davies (Independent (affiliation)) on Monday, 9 October 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 11 October 2006. It was answered by Baroness Merron (Labour) on Tuesday, 24 October 2006 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Blue Badge Parking

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take steps to introduce a right of appeal against a decision of a local council to refuse a request for a blue badge for parking concessions for people with severe walking difficulties.

Answer: The Department is currently finalising new improved guidance to local authorities on the blue badge scheme. This will include strong recommendations for internal procedures to deal with appeals against a local authority’s decision not to issue a badge. Specifically, it will recommend detailed written explanation of the grounds for refusal and an appeals system that is clear, straightforward and fair and not in itself a deterrent to applying for a badge.The draft guidance will form part of a regulatory package on which we intend to go out to consultation later this year.

Secondary information