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?