Department for Transport
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Blue badge consultation opens
The Department for Transport is consulting on how to bring the process for assessing eligibility for blue disabled parking badges in to line with the wider reform of disability benefits announced by the Department for Work and Pensions.
The Department's preferred option for bringing the
process in line with new legislation is not expected to
significantly affect the overall numbers of people entitled to
blue badges.
Currently, people are entitled to a blue badge if they
receive a certain component of the Disability Living Allowance
(DLA) that relates to mobility.
The DLA is being replaced by the Personal Independence
Payment (PIP) and so the Department needs to look at the way the
blue badge system is administered to ensure a smooth transition
when the new benefits structure is introduced.
The consultation published today outlines the options under
consideration. The Department's preferred option is to
ensure decisions are consistent, using the criteria in the new PIP
system that most closely correspond to those currently used by
local authorities to carry out their own assessments.
Notes to Editors
1. The consultation is now available on the DfT website at: http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/dft-2012-30/
2. It will run until 2 October 2012.
Contacts:
DfT Press Office - Local Transport
Phone: DfT Press Office
020 7944 3066
Mobile: Out of Hours 020 7944 4292
DfTPressReleases@dft.gsi.gov.uk