Inquiry into the Blue Badge Scheme in Wales: Eligibility and Implementation

Inquiry into the Blue Badge Scheme in Wales: Eligibility and Implementation

 

Inquiry5

The Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee undertook an inquiry into the Blue Badge Scheme in Wales: Eligibility and Implementation.

Terms of reference

The Committee’s terms of reference were to consider:

  • The impact of extending the eligibility criteria for a Blue Badge in Wales, and whether further extensions to the criteria are needed;
  • The practical implementation and consistency of the Blue Badge scheme across Wales, including assessments, fees and enforcement, and
  • The support and information that is available to Blue Badge applicants in Wales.

 

Evidence Gathering
The Committee held a number of evidence sessions to inform the work of the Committee, which can be viewed in the table below. Additionally, the Committee consulted on this topic.

Evidence session

Date, agenda, minutes

Transcript

Video

1. Miranda Evans, Policy and Programmes  Manager Disability Wales

21 March 2019

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2. Samuel Stone, External Affairs Officer, National Autistic Society

Huw Owen, Policy Officer, Alzheimer’s Society Cymru

Helen Powell, Specialist Support Advisor, Benefits Advice Programme, Wales Macmillan Cancer Support

Martin Fidler Jones, Policy Officer, Tenovus Cancer Care

 

4 April 2019

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3. Valerie Billingham, Policy and Campaigns Manager, Age Cymru

Kate Young, Director, All Wales Forum of Parents and Carers of People with Learning Disabilities

4 April 2019

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4. Andrew Meredith, Customer services Team Leader, Caerphilly County Borough Council

Rhys J. Page, Senior Business Manager, Carmarthenshire County Council

4 April 2019

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5. Welsh Government

Ken Skates, Minister for Economy and Transport
Simon Jones, Director of Economic Infrastructure
Dewi Rowlands, Deputy Director, Transport Policy, Planning and Partnerships

1 May 2019

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Watch on Senedd.TV

 

Report

The Committee published its report on the Blue Badge Scheme in Wales: Eligibility and Implementation (PDF, 686KB) on Monday 8 July.

 

On publication of the report, John Griffiths AM, Chair of the Committee said:

 

“Differing arrangements across the 22 councils have led to inconsistencies in implementation across Wales. Addressing this should be a priority for Welsh Government and local authorities so that everyone may receive a quality service, regardless of where they live. The system must be fit for purpose given its importance to our communities.”

 

A shorter Spark report can be read here.

 

The Government published its response (PDF, 244KB) and an additional response (PDF, 181KB) on 9 October 2019.

 

A debate on the report was held in Plenary on Wednesday 16 October 2019.

Business type: Committee Inquiry

Reason considered: Senedd Business;

Status: Complete

First published: 14/01/2019

Documents

Consultations