Haringey PPG Network seeks clarification on applying for a Blue Badge
We were approached by members of the Haringey Patient Participation Group (PPG) Network who had experienced severe delays in applying for and renewing their Blue Badges which give access to disabled parking bays. We discussed this issue in PPG Network meeting 12, (October 2024).
In one case, a resident received their Blue Badge six months after applying for a renewal, and only after multiple communications with the Council. The resident had a degenerative condition that got worse and rendered them nearly housebound whilst waiting for their Blue Badge.
Another resident gave up trying to apply for a Blue Badge after going to Wood Green Customer Service Centre. The Council told this resident to provide consultants’ letters - and this would mean different consultants in different departments. The patient had their medical record which makes it clear they have restricted mobility, but only a letter from a consultant on headed paper would have been acceptable to the Council.
Healthwatch Haringey's actions
Following the PPG Network meeting, Sharon Grant Chair of Healthwatch Haringey, raised this issue at the Joint Partnership Board (JPB)/Transport Accessibility and Inclusion Working Group meeting on 21 October 2024. This is a body hosted by Haringey Council, Public Voice and Healthwatch Haringey. Attendees include Councillor Mike Hakata, Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Environment and Transport and Ann Cunningham, Head of Traffic Management at Haringey Council.
We wanted to be clear about what information was needed for the Council to make a decision on granting a Blue Badge, why the process took so long in some cases and why there was no way for residents to speak directly to the Council's Concessionary Travel Team, to clear up any queries. When we received the Council's response we sought further clarifications and received a further response. We have produced some tips on applying for a Blue Badge which deal with some of the issues we encountered.
We also received a response about one of our resident's experiences, shared at the Transport Inclusion Group. The Council acknowledged delay in the process of renewing this resident's Blue Badge and that this was "less than satisfactory". The Council shared that an option issued to all local authorities through the updated DfT guidance in 2019 means that this resident's future applications will be assessed without the need for further evidence. This option is applied on a case-by-case basis and is not a blanket option for the renewal process. Residents are still required to reapply when a badge expires.
We invited the Concessionary Travel Team to the next PPG Network meeting (17 February 2025) to answer questions.
Applying for a Blue Badge - What proof do you need if you are not 'automatically eligible'?
Based on the responses we have received from Haringey Council, and our own research, we have set out some tips for applying for a Blue Badge. This is not exhaustive, as for some people who are not automatically eligible, the process can be complex and time-consuming. If you have difficulty applying for a Blue Badge, please let us know. We can pass on your comments to the Council's Concessionary Travel Team.
