"Blue Badge Rules Need to Become Fairer” – Lib Dem Councillors Lead KCC Cross-Party Campaign for Change

What’s the problem?

Right now, people can only get a Blue Badge (which lets disabled people park closer to where they need to go) if they have a serious mobility problem that’s expected to last more than three years.

This rule makes it really hard for people who are struggling now — but might recover sooner — to get the Blue Badge they need for a more limited time.

Who does this affect?

People like:

• Cancer patients whose treatment makes walking hard
• People recovering from broken hips or legs
• Anyone with serious mobility issues that might last a few months or a year or two

These people still need help — but they don’t qualify for a Blue Badge under the current rules.

What is being done?

Councillor Antony Hook from Kent County Council is leading a campaign to make the system for issuing Blue Badges fairer.

He wrote a letter to the Government asking for the rules to be changed — and 21 councillors from different political parties (Liberal Democrat, Labour, Green, and Conservative) signed it.

He said:

“I believe in working together to get things done. Every councillor at Kent County Council was invited to sign the letter, and I’m really thankful to those who did.”

Why do the councillors want change?

They say the current rules for Blue Badges:

• Leaves people struggling when they really need help
• Doesn’t match the Equality Act, which says a disability can last just 12 months
• Causes stress and delays for people already facing serious health problems

What are they asking for?

The councillors want the Government to:

• Get rid of the three-year rule
• Let local councils give out Blue Badges for shorter periods when it makes sense
• Make the system more flexible and fair

They’ve asked the Secretary of State for Transport to look at the rules again and talk to them about how to improve things for people who need support now — even if it’s not forever.

Need a Blue Badge?

If you or someone you know needs to apply for a Blue Badge, you can do it online.
Apply here: www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge