The Blue Badge Scheme

The Blue Badge scheme is a national scheme designed to provide parking concessions for eligible people to park close to the facilities and services they need to use, so as to improve their lifestyle, independence and freedom of choice.

You can apply for a Blue Badge yourself, or a relative can apply on your behalf.

A person does not have to drive to apply for a blue badge. The badge is for the individual and can be used in any car the individual is travelling in, as a driver or a passenger.

You need to make a new application for a Blue Badge every 3 years or before the expiry date if sooner. It will not be renewed automatically

You are welcome to make an application or renewal online: www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge

If required, you may also send supporting documents by email. Please send them to blue.badges@merthyr.gov.uk

If you need to speak to someone, please telephone 01685 725000.

Who is eligible for a Blue Badge?

In Wales, an individual can apply for a Blue Badge through one of four categories:

1. Automatic

You can automatically qualify for a Blue Badge if you meet one of the following criteria:

You are registered as blind (severely sight impaired)
You are receiving the Higher Rate of the Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance
You are receiving Personal Independence Payment at the following level for the descriptors listed
Planning and Following Journeys - 12 points
Moving Around - 8 points or more
You receive a War Pensioners Mobility Supplement (WPMS)
You received a lump sum benefit under the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (Compensation) Scheme within tariff levels 1-8 and have been assessed and certified by the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency as having a permanent and substantial impairment which causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking
You receive Tariff 6 – permanent mental disorder of the Armed forces compensation scheme.

You must supply the appropriate documentation to show that you are receiving any of the above.

2. Discretionary

If you do not meet the above criteria, you may qualify under the following categories dependent upon the information that you supply to support your application:

You have a permanent and substantial impairment which means you are unable to walk or have considerable difficulty in walking.
If a person has a cognitive impairment and is unable to plan or follow any journey to the extent that they need supervision
You have impairment in both arms
Children under the age of 3 who have a medical condition which means that they must always be accompanied by bulky medical equipment which cannot be carried around with the child without great difficulty

You must supply evidence to support your application from a relevant health professional

3. Temporary

You may qualify for a blue badge if you are unable to walk or have considerable difficulty in walking and have a temporary disability which is likely to last for the next 12 months.

You must supply evidence to support your application from a relevant health professional

4. Organisation

Organisational badges are issued to organisations that have vehicles that carry disabled people who would themselves be eligible for a badge. A badge will be issued to an organisation if they have vehicles licensed under Disabled Passenger Vehicle (DPV) taxation class. The application must be made by the manager/deputy manager of the organisation who can apply online via the GOV.UK website. In all circumstances, badges will be issued to the organisation or department and not to named individuals.

Where relatively few people meet the eligibility criteria for a badge in the organisation, it would be preferable for the disabled person(s) themselves to apply for badges, rather than have one issued to an organisation. This then allows the holder to use their badge in any vehicle in which they are travelling.

If the application is on behalf of an organisation a fee of £10 must be paid per badge.

Apply

Welsh Government have produced guidance. Further details can be found at Apply for or renew a Blue Badge - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

All applicants need to provide proof of identity, proof of address and a passport sized photo, as well as supporting evidence relevant to the criteria under which you have applied. Please refer to the guidance notes for accepted documentation.

Beware of organisations offering help

We are aware of organisations offering support in completing and submitting Blue Badge applications. These organisations are charging substantial fees for their assistance.

Residents do not need to use these organisations to apply for a Blue Badge.

Please use the free online application service www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge, telephone an officer on 01685 725000 or email us at blue.badges@merthyr.gov.uk and we will be happy to support you.

FAQ’s

I am unable to complete online application?

Please contact the Blue Badge department on 01685 725000 and ask for a paper copy of the application to be sent out to you.

Can I receive help to complete my application form?

Yes, you can make an appointment for an advisor to help you, but this may delay the application process. Please phone 01685 725000 to arrange an appointment.

Lost/Stolen/Damaged Badge

If your badge is lost or damaged it is important that we order you a replacement badge and cancel the missing badge. There is a £10 charge for a replacement badge.

To replace a stolen badge you will need to supply a crime reference number that is available by contacting 101, the police non-emergency team. There will be no charge for the badge if it has been stolen.

LOST BLUE BADGE – REPLACEMENT REQUEST

How long before my renewal should I apply for my new badge?

Applications can take up to 8 weeks to be processed, we advise you to apply up to 8 weeks before your renewal date.

Please use a valid badge up until the date of expiry. You must continue to use your valid badge and only use the new badge from the date it starts.

Once my application is approved how long will I have to wait to receive my blue badge?

Once the application is approved and the supporting evidence of identity, residency and eligibility are verified the badge will be ordered and you will receive it within 10 working days.

A relative or friend with a Blue Badge has passed away, what do I do?

You can use tell us once service that will be offered when registering a death. Alternatively, email blue.badges@merthyr.gov.uk with the person’s name, date of birth, blue badge number (This is the first six characters of the long number on the badge), date of death and the name of the person reporting the situation.

Change of details for your Blue Badge

If you have a blue badge please let us know if any of the following changes occur:

Name
Address
Contact details

Please note: as the badge is issued to an individual there is no need to tell us if you change your car.

What if I disagree with the decision about my application for a Blue Badge?

There is no statutory appeals process against a decision made by a local authority on a Blue Badge application.

We follow guidance set by the Welsh Government but they do not have the power to intervene in the assessment of individual cases.

If you do not agree with the decision not to award you a Blue Badge and have information or evidence that was not given with your original application, you should send it to us within one calendar month of the date of the decision letter we sent you. We will look again at the decision taking into account the extra evidence.

If you do not agree with the decision made not to award you a Blue Badge but do not have any extra information or evidence that you wish to present, we will reconsider your application upon written request.

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