Don't get caught short for Blue Badge renewals

Worcestershire County Council wants to urge Blue Badge holders not to leave it until the last minute to apply for a renewal.

New national changes by Government to the Blue Badge Scheme, which came into effect January 1, 2012 now means that badges will not be handed out on the day of application anymore. Customers wishing to apply will need to allow up to two weeks, as badges are posted from a central location to the applicants' homes.

Earlier last year the Government announced its plans to modernise the Blue Badge Scheme, which aims to reduce fraud and misuse, which currently costs the country an estimated £46m per year.

Worcestershire County Council's Cabinet also increased the fee for a Blue Badge to £10 (valid for three years), which is the first increase in almost 30 years. The increase is necessary to cover the additional costs to produce and administer the new style badge.

Blue Badges entitle residents with mobility issues to have easier access to shops, facilities and services and in some cases benefit from parking concessions. Blue Badge Holders can travel independently, either as a driver or a passenger. The badge is valid for three years.

Councillor Phillip Gretton, Cabinet Member Responsible for Adult Social Care, said: "Current Blue Badge Holders need to be aware that badges will not be handed out on the day of application anymore. So they will need to apply for renewals up to two weeks before the badge expires to ensure they are not left without a badge. This is because the production of the badges will be done in one national location for all authorities, which helps to reduce the risk of misuse.

"As part of the new changes introduced, residents can now apply online for a Blue Badge. Also if you are unsure if you would be successful in applying for a blue Badge you can go online and take the eligibility test first. Just visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/bluebadge and select apply online."

Anyone wanting to find out more about the changes to the Blue Badge can visit: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/bluebadge