Blue Badge Application Rejected

mike_h117

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?

mike_h117

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

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

mike_h117

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.

poppy123456

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.

Joanne_Alumni

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.