Blue Badge and further evidence???

[cindyloo]

I hope that this is the right place to ask for some advice.

 

 

I receive DLA HRM and have done so for over 20 years. Just over 3 years ago I found out that I could have a Blue Badge because of my DLA award. I applied in June 2011 and it was given to me with no problems.

 

 

However this time round when I asked for it to be renewed, the council refused to supply one. They told me that I had not sent in any up to date evidence to support my mobility problems. I understood that HRM made it automatic but it doesn't it seems. The council have told me that the award would have been based on old evidence when the award was made and for all they know I may have had a massive improvement and not told the DWP.

They directed me to their website which clearly says what I should send them. Unless I can prove that my mobility problems are just the same today as they were a few years ago, then no Badge.

 

 

This is what the council's website says which I must admit I never dreamed of looking at when I reapplied

 

 

Send us:

 

 

• 1 recent passport size photograph
  
• a copy of a document confirming your address, dated within the last 12 months
  
• a copy of a document proving your identity
  
• proof of any benefit that means you qualify automatically
  
• recent medical evidence of your disability
  
• a cheque or postal order for £10 made payable to Kent County Council (if you haven’t paid online or by phone).
  

Is this right?

[oleg]

Recipients of d l a higher rate mobility should indeed have automatic entitlement to blue badge.

 

Are you saying you presented your annual amount of entitlement letter yet they said this was based on ancient history ? I've not heard of this before. Other councils afaik are content to go on the letter of entitlement / annual statement of amount letter.

 

You cannot be unique in having been given this brush-off. I suspect it is a well rehearsed routine they have dreamt up at County Hall. If so, your local disability organisation must be well aware of the wheeze and I would ask what strategy they are recommending people to take to combat this ridiculous barrier.

 

Maybe others will post other, better advice for you later.

 

I really do hope you get this sorted .

[cindyloo]

Yes and thanks, I sent them the updating letter that I received from the DLA people showing what the award is, that it is indefinite and the amount I receive. They are insisting that they have to do this additional check to ensure that my mobility problems are still with me, sort of making sure that I haven't had any improvement since when the award was made. Can't argue with them, not when they specifically say on their website that it is a requirement for a Blue Badge. Maybe they are being over cautious which I don't blame them not when you see the number of badges in circulation in my small town. It has put me in a difficult position though, I will have to ask my GP and Consultant to write some letters confirming what my mobility problems are and how they affect my walking.

I haven't seen anybody from a disability organisation, I didn't think that it was necessary.

 

 

This is what caused the problem, if I can't submit the updated medical evidence, they may want me to have an assessment. I didn't tick this declaration as it was not a requirement on the form, it didn't have an * next to it.

 

 

Please read and tick the following optional declarations that you consent to.

Ticking these boxes will help to improve the service we can offer you

 

 

I consent to the local authority checking any information already held by the local authority's Social Services department on the basis that:

 

 

• It can help determine my eligibility for a Blue Badge
   
  
• It may speed up the processing of my application
   
  
• It may enable a decision to be made without the need for a mobility assessment
  

Edited July 31, 2014 by cindyloo

[ploddertom]

The Council website seems to contradict itself as in one section it says if you get Higher Rate you qualify automatically then says what you have put above elsewhere. I would be taking this up with my local Councillor(s) - I understand why they do it as they are clamping down on mis-use, my own Council has a scheme in place where they will visit and do all apropriate paperwork/photo for you. Not being cheeky but are you under or over pensionable age.

[*RainbowTears*]

I've had a blue badge for years & even from back then, I was told as long as you received HRM you automatically qualified for one!

 

I've also literally, just recently renewed my blue badge.

 

I took my application form along with my CT bill, DLA letter (updated from April), Gas bill, passport picture & £10, to the Council Offices (Thurrock in my case) & the lady photocopied everything & once I'd paid, I was told I'd receive it within 2 weeks.

 

I received it a couple weeks ago through the post.

 

Are you able to get to your local Council Offices & apply for it there?

 

As by doing so at least you have someone you can actually talk too & ask for advice from.