Blue Badges

Richie-from-the-Boro

With or without further assessment, assuming the O/P's nana is not in receipt of DLAHRM then did she complete an independent mobility assessment or was she told she was simply declared ineligible and told no independent mobility assessment was required?

QuackQuackOops

2ba3c wrote: »

Does anybody know anything about them?

I'm know nothing but want to find out if this is usual, or whether we should contest it?

My darling Nana (who is 90) and walks using a stick, and has glaucoma, and macular degeneration has just been turned down for a blue badge.

Now obviously she doesn't drive, but my Mum is her carer and takes her shopping and was applying for her as it's difficult for her to get about safely.

But they said no! I'm genuinely surprised that said no, to a 90 year old with walking difficulties and eye problems. But this could be usual - hence my post here.

Anybody?

Councils are inundated with requests for Blue Badges so the automatic criteria is those who claim DLA Higher award.

QuackQuackOops

clarryd wrote: »

I have a blue badge and have not long renewed it.

They should get a hold of the people who have blue badges that are out of date, not legal, or just using it as they have it for someone they drive around that does need one.

I see so many people with nothing wrong with them, young lads, young girls that seem to have these BB and miss use them.

The council should get a shake up and give the BB's to people like your Nana and other elderly sick people.

(Just so are aware I have had a BB since 2005 as I had a stroke and this led to other problems).

You are not in a position to judge whether or not someone should be using a Blue Badge.
How do you know there is nothing wrong with them?

merlin68

Indeed, I might look perfectly normal even though I have a crutch and a knee brace however you cant possibly tell my 46% lung function from looking at me. I only got low and low for dla and had a medical for a blue badge which I passed. an occupational therapist does them in our council.

HOWMUCH

Only blue badges from our council if HRM

Mr_Lawnmower

sueturnersmith wrote: »

I know that people who get the higher rate of DLA/PIP mobility automatically qualify, but what about those that become unable to walk after age 65? Councils are increasing turning anyone down who does not get DLA/PIP mobility!

Entitlement to a Blue Badge based on PIP Mobility component is based on points scored, not the rate awarded.

8 points or more on "moving around" (walking ability less than 50m) entitles you to a Blue Badge without further assessment.

In Scotland and Wales, 12 points on "planning and following journeys" (cannot follow the route of a familiar journey without another person, an assistance dog or an orientation aid) also entitles you to a Blue Badge without further assessment. English councils do not grant Blue Badges without further assessment based on this activity.


These rules mean there will be some with PIP enhanced rate Mobility who are not entitled to a Blue Badge (except via the assessment route), and some with PIP standard rate Mobility who are entitled to a Blue Badge without further assessment.


I've posted a fuller explanation of mobility concessions based on PIP here (click).

Mr_Lawnmower

The new Blue Badge rules came into effect in January 2012. They require those whose entitlement is 'subject to further assessment' standard to undergo an independent mobility assessment, and stopped local councils from issuing Blue Badges based on a GP's signature.

The test used for the independent mobility assessment is broadly the 'virtually unable to walk' test from higher rate Mobility DLA. The intention is that it allows through those who don't quite meet the higher rate Mobility standard, or who couldn't make a DLA or PIP claim because they are 65 or over.


It is well worth reading the pink box on pages 19-21 (pages 23-25 of the PDF file) of The Blue Badge Scheme Local Authority Guidance (England), starting at letter (b) right at the bottom of page 19. This explains how the test should be applied and the factors that are relevant. Crucially, this guidance sets the focus on the the ability to walk 80m (as I said, the standard is intended to be a little lower than for higher rate mobility DLA), with the expectation that anyone who can walk 80m at a normal speed without experiencing pain or breathlessness will not qualify for a Blue Badge.


Local authorities do not have discretion to depart from the law. They cannot set requirements such as "must have a car", "must drive" or "no Blue Badge unless you are entitled to one without further assessment".

Judging by this thread, it sounds like a few English local authorities may need pointing to this guidance from the Department for Transport. Blue Badges are a devolved matter, which means the rules are slightly different in Wales and Scotland.

Parva

I hadn't even got this far down the threads before I decided it was a 'Hi Andy' moment......