Refused Blue Badge- help

dori2o

bertiebat wrote: »

In my council, unless certain criteria are met (including HRM) then ALL applicants have to be medically assessed in person. I got my blue badge this way, whilst waiting for my DLA to be processed.

Not surprisingly they have far fewer BB issued in my area.

I wouldn't mind if it was a medical assessment in person but it's not. A Healthcare professional reviews the paper application and makes their decision based on what is in the application form.

KxMx

Surely there is no harm in getting your GP to write a letter still? The more evidence this Health Professional has, the better.

sueturnersmith

I was awarded a BB while awaiting DLA (which took 9 months because I was initially turned down). They asked me to supply a letter from my GP, which I did, and I was given the badge within two weeks of sending them the GP's letter.

I was surprised I did not have to go for a 'walking assessment' which is the norm in my area, but since I'm almost totally confined to a wheelchair they probably realised that this would be a waste of time. I eventually got higher rate mobility, so would now automatically qualify.

Dori2o, it sounds like you really need a BB, so ask your GP for a supporting letter and send it to the council.

WhiteHorse

dori2o wrote: »

They say that my description of 'knee pain' is too vague and I need to write giving a full description of what I suffer from and what is causing it.

They have a point, it really is too vague.

I asked why my GP has not been written to and they say they no longer write to GP's as some are quick to respond and some not ...

They have a point here as well. Some doctors practices (it's not necessarily the doctor who is at fault), are very inefficient.

... so a Government directive is to have the applications reviewed by a Health professional who will make their decision.

As them to explain what a 'healthcare professional' is, and who reviewed your application.

Oldernotwiser

tessie_bear wrote: »

does anyone know what the chances of getting a blue badge are if u get lower rate mobility ?
thank u

If lower rate mobility is the correct award fro you, I think you're unlikely to get a BB.

dori2o

Spoke to the doctor and he flatly refused to give me a report stating that he should be getting a form from the BB people. When I explained the situation he said it was the first he had heard and had done a BB report this week.

Guess we'll just have to wait and see.

A_Flock_Of_Sheep

I have been assisting someone with an application for a Blue Badge who does not get the prescribed level of DLA. They are a wealthy individual and have already given the council a dressing down about this when their adviser suggested applying for DLA HRM and then she could automatically get a badge.

She stated that he was extremely reckless in times of austerity suggesting that she applied for a state benefit of £50 a week simply so she can park in disabled spaces. She said it was irresponsible to expect the tax payer to pay her £50 a week simply so she can park her car.

Anyway, when the councils provide a badge on discretionary grounds they use a document provided by the DfT. The criteria is based on the HRM of DLA. Details here of the guidance to local authorities:

http://www.dft.gov.uk/adobepdf/259428/281009/laguidance.pdf

As the DfT guidelines use DLA HRM as a calibration for the issue of Blue Badges I would suggest structuring your case in the same way as an application for HRM DLA. Often the BB application forms provide very little space to provide a well structured case and argument for the badge so perhaps put "see attachment" and then bury them in facts. Obtaining a doctors letter to send with an application may be advantageous.

welshsue

Wales must be different. On my renewal for DLA recently, I was awarded LRM, MRC so did not even consider a blue badge.
However, I walk with crutches and CAB who helped with my forms advised me to apply for a discretionary blue badge.
I filled in all the forms, supplied pic etc etc, took it all to local council offices who sent it all off. They contacted DWP, contacted my GP.
Wasn't expecting to get one but this morning opened post and there was my blue badge, valid throughout UK and until 2014. Delighted as this will make life easier for me.
Don't know whether all councils do discretionary but worth asking if cannot get HRM

taylor2

Love MSE This is my first post

Hi dori20

I came across something about the council Blue Badge scheme, and apparently it is being looked into because of people using it fraudulently. Lending the pass to family and friends etc. To be honest I can't remember where I came across it, but If I find it again, I will post details for you. I wonder if they are thinking of scrapping it, or just making it harder to get one. That would be a shame, but to be honest, I thought it was more trouble than it was worth for me personally. I decided to stick with my disabled bus pass but I know thats not an option for other disabled people who can not use buse.

taylor2

A_Flock_Of_Sheep

My friend went to a private GP to get a decent medical report to support her BB application as her NHS GP understated her difficulties.