Blue Badge policy

A person may be entitled to a badge if they:

• are unable to walk
• experience considerable difficulty while walking, which may include significant psychological distress
• are at risk of serious harm when walking
• pose a risk of serious harm to any other person while walking

There may be a requirement to conduct a further assessment of an applicant by the Blue Badge Team as part of the application process. This may include:

• a desk-based assessment tool to be completed by the Blue Badge Team
• consent being obtained to access Health and Social Care information to confirm eligibility
• an invitation to attend an independent mobility assessment with the Blue Badge Expert Assessor

Buckinghamshire Council will prioritise all applications where a person has a terminal illness.

To be considered under this criterion, an SR1 medical report form will be required to be submitted with the application. If the applicant does not have a copy of this form, a healthcare professional can complete it.

If an SR1 form is not submitted, then further medical evidence will be required.

A non-visible (hidden) disability is a disability or health condition that is not immediately obvious, including:

• mental health conditions including:
  • anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, personality disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder
• autism
• visual impairments or restricted vision
• hearing loss
• sensory and processing difficulties
• cognitive impairment, including dementia, traumatic brain injury, or learning disabilities

Buckinghamshire Council recognise that this is not an exhaustive list, and that other disabilities and conditions exist which are not listed above.

Blue Badge eligibility for people with non-visible disabilities is not based on diagnosis. Buckinghamshire Council will consider the severity of the disability or condition,

and how the disability or condition affects walking on a regular basis.

A Blue Badge will be issued if the person has an enduring and substantial disability that causes them to:

• be unable to walk
• experience considerable difficulty whilst walking, including psychological distress
• be at risk of serious harm to yourself or others when walking
• The term ‘enduring and substantial’ is defined as any disability or condition that is not expected to improve within the next 3 years and therefore the applicant meets the eligibility criteria to an extent that means you no longer meet the eligibility criteria
• The term ‘enduring and substantial’ is defined as any disability or condition that is not expected to improve within the next 3 years and as such the applicant will meet the eligibility criteria until the Blue Badge expires
• If an applicant’s condition is likely to improve within the next 3 years, they may not meet the eligibility criteria to be issued a blue badge

There are a number of non-visible disabilities and conditions that would also fall under the mobility criteria, including:

• Parkinson’s
• arthritis
• cardiac or respiratory conditions

Although these are non-visible conditions, they may have a greater impact on mobility. For conditions such as these, the person will be considered under both criteria but will be assessed using the most relevant criteria.