Overview
- Conservative MP Alicia Kearns asked the Department for Transport to assess allowing GPs and hospital consultants to issue temporary badges with six-month reviews for people facing long NHS surgery waits.
- Local transport minister Simon Lightwood said in a written reply that Blue Badges are intended for substantial, enduring mobility problems and are typically issued for a three-year period.
- The Government confirmed it has no plans to change the local administration of the scheme, which remains the responsibility of councils.
- Millions already benefit from the programme, with about 3.2 million holders across the UK and roughly 2.84 million in England, and eligibility is determined by local authorities under set criteria.
- Applicants who do not qualify automatically may undergo mobility assessments and wait around 12 weeks for a decision, and fees vary by nation with applications via GOV.UK except in Northern Ireland.