Blue Badge Rejected- Appeal?

Eryn_118

Hi everyone.

I was recently rejected for a Blue Badge by my council. I have autism, anxiety, depression, and am currently on the pathway to being diagnosed with ADHD and Dyspraxia.

I only had the option to apply online, so submitted my PIP letter (standard for both categories) and my autism diagnosis. I then got an email asking me to write a statement on why I fit the criteria, which I did in great detail.

I then got an email rejecting my application and telling me not to apply again for another 6 months.

I applied for the Blue Badge as I get extremely claustrophobic in public spaces and have panic attacks and meltdowns, and have to ring a family member to get through these. I also struggle to leave the house due to my panic over finding a parking space and getting to my destination, and will often refuse to go out due to this. I received 10 points under the planning and following a journey, though not under descriptor E. I have to receive support from my parent to plan journeys and reduce anxiety, as well as help me if things go wrong, which was all written in the PIP report.

According to the council, the reason I was declined is because-

-Risk while taking journeys is negated by one to one support (the support is my parent who works full time, the reason I wanted the badge was for independence)

-I have recently been in therapy so should have coping skills for anxiety, therefore this is not a problem for me???

-And finally, risks don't outline I can't access the community (I don't even get what this means, I was very clear that I struggle being outside and avoid journeys due to autism and sensory processing).

I feel like I've been invalidated and told I am not disabled enough, which is gutting.

Apparently I can only appeal if I have new medical evidence, despite having provided diagnosis by a psychologist and a PIP review letter. I just don't know what to do anymore. Any advice?

Albus_Scope

Hey there @Eryn_118Sorry to see no one was able to answer your questions. Were you able to find the advice you needed?

dayjarvoo

dayjarvoo

I would imagine the council have to maintain a certain threshold to ensure that there is adequate provision of car park spaces for those with the greatest need. It’s unfortunate, but they may also reason that it is a good thing for you to learn to push yourself psychologically. I do u def stand, I have similar diagnosis and problems, however I can also see that there are limited car park spaces for disabled, and they should go first to those who have the most severe disabilities. There simply isn’t enough to cope with demand.

I struggle too with this, however noone said life was going to be fair, or easy, and these challenges can help us to grow in many ways. Everyone has challenges too.

egister

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1006430#Comment_1006430

I completely disagree with your argumentation.

noonebelieves

@dayjarvoo , I respectfully disagree with your opinion and believe @Eryn_118 may potentially have a right to ask for a review of the decision for Blue Badge refusal , as symptoms like a panic attack could result in a fall risk… Claustrophobia/Panic attacks could potentially be triggered in overcrowded scenarios (car parks) and need quick access even if 1:1 is available(could be argued further ). The Blue badge assessor may have potentially overlooked the guidance on pg 121/50 and may potentially be useful to strengthen arguments “Core principles for assessing applicants who experience very considerable difficulty whilst walking, including veryconsiderable psychological distress”& Disabled Persons’ Parking Badges Act 2013 may apply as the covering legislation . 
I’m no expert but 2 years back I was involved in a decision review for my neighbour who had severe MH issues with panic attack and I helped her with the paperwork. She is very knowledgeable  and a disabled ex legal advisor to a renowned firm. 
Ask your council what their processes are for review as every council may have their own processes and try to get in touch with your local citizens advice bureau , as they might be able to offer you the help to draft the Blue Badge review request in your Council’s preferred format (there might be a wait so earlier the better) . A specific letter from your GP or Psychiatrist on why they believe you are eligible may also strengthen your case (just my thoughts!).I believe it is definitely worth a shot . Please give it a try is my advice . Best wishes @Eryn_118

luvpink

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1007078#Comment_1007078

Me too.