Blue Badge Application Rejected — Scope | Disability forum
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Blue Badge Application Rejected

mike_h117
mike_h117 Community member Posts: 6 Listener
I have just had an update from my local council (Camden in London). They have advised that they are automatically REJECTING/ARCHIVING ALL BLUE BADGE APPLICATIONS FOR HIDDEN DISABILITIES. This is because they have not received any guidance from the government on who qualifies and therefore refuse to process these applications. They told me that until they receive some formal statement from central government on what the criteria are for issuing a blue badge to anyone with a hidden disability they will not be considering applications. They are waiting for an update on 'accessible transport' apparently.

To say I am staggered is an understatement. The law was changed almost 5 months ago to help people like my son. I can't take my autistic 10-year-old on public transport and walking down a busy street is very dangerous due to his unpredictable behaviour - using a car is really the only option.

Has anyone else encountered this response from their council? Is SCOPE doing anything to pressure the government into doing something, and if they are is there anything I can do to help?

Comments

  • woodbine
    woodbine Community member Posts: 11,521 Disability Gamechanger
    The only advice I can offer is to contact your MP and see what they have to say.
    2024 The year of the general election...the time for change is coming 💡

  • mike_h117
    mike_h117 Community member Posts: 6 Listener
    woodbine said:
    The only advice I can offer is to contact your MP and see what they have to say.
    Thanks for the advice. My MP is Keir Starmer so I imagine he's wrapped up with trying to become the next Labour leader and probably won't do much for me right now, however I have written to him nonetheless.
  • Tommyb92
    Tommyb92 Community member Posts: 73 Courageous
    Hi There Mike, I'm one of the community champions, I was just wondering if you had a copy of your child's educational needs statement, as this would also be used for the application for the Blue Badge. I have tried to apply for my Blue Badge when I lived in Surrey but as I've since moved I haven't had the need to apply again. Thanks Tom

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  • mike_h117
    mike_h117 Community member Posts: 6 Listener
    Tommyb92 said:
    Hi There Mike, I'm one of the community champions, I was just wondering if you had a copy of your child's educational needs statement, as this would also be used for the application for the Blue Badge. I have tried to apply for my Blue Badge when I lived in Surrey but as I've since moved I haven't had the need to apply again. Thanks Tom
    Hi Tom. Yes, I included his EHCP along with medical letters, IEP's and therapy reports. His EHCP has actually just been reviewed and updated to better describe his very severe sensory issues which will provide even more evidence to support the application, however as I've not been formally rejected but rather just had the application cancelled, I can't take it to a tribunal with this additional evidence.
  • woodbine
    woodbine Community member Posts: 11,521 Disability Gamechanger
    mike_h117 said:
    woodbine said:
    The only advice I can offer is to contact your MP and see what they have to say.
    Thanks for the advice. My MP is Keir Starmer so I imagine he's wrapped up with trying to become the next Labour leader and probably won't do much for me right now, however I have written to him nonetheless.
    all MPs have staff to deal with day to day stuff, so you should hear something back

    2024 The year of the general election...the time for change is coming 💡

  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 53,359 Disability Gamechanger
    mike_h117 said:

    Hi Tom. Yes, I included his EHCP along with medical letters, IEP's and therapy reports. His EHCP has actually just been reviewed and updated to better describe his very severe sensory issues which will provide even more evidence to support the application, however as I've not been formally rejected but rather just had the application cancelled, I can't take it to a tribunal with this additional evidence.

    You can't take it to Tribunal without first requesting the Mandatory Reconsideration. I'd advise you to point out the new rule changes to them. Although all local councils have their own criteria for the BB these rules apply to all local councils.
    I would appreciate it if members wouldn't tag me please. I have all notifcations turned off and wouldn't want a member thinking i'm being rude by not replying.
    If i see a question that i know the answer to i will try my best to help.
  • Joanne_Alumni
    Joanne_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 188 Pioneering
    Hi mike_h117

    I am sorry to hear that you are having problems with your son's Blue Badge application.
    It is not a decision that you would actually do a Mandatory Reconsideration for.
    You would ask the Council to review their decision and if they will not do this or change the decision, you can approach the Ombudsman to make a complaint.

    Joanne 
    Scope

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