If you have a disability which affects your mobility you may qualify for a Blue Badge.
It allows you to park to park in ‘Blue Badge’ parking spaces, even if you aren’t the person driving.
If you meet at least one of the following criteria, you can apply for a Blue Badge:
- You receive the higher rate of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance
- You are severely sight impaired (blind)
- You received a score of 8 points or more under the ‘Moving Around’ activity of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payments.
- You receive a War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
- You have had a payment under tariff 1 to 8 of the Armed Forces compensation scheme and are certified as having a permanent and substantial disability likely to last the rest of your life
- You have a permanent and substantial disability which makes walking difficult or impossible
- You have a severe upper limb disability in both arms and can drive a vehicle, but can’t turn a steering wheel by hand even if the wheel is fitted with a turning handle
- You belong to an organisation that uses a vehicle to transport disabled people
or children under 3 years old, the badge will expire on the day after their 3rd birthday. You can reapply for a new badge 3 months before your child’s 3rd birthday. The process for applying for a Blue Badge is the same for children over 3 years old.
How to apply
You can ownload and print off the Blue Badge application form and fill it in.
Documentation you will need to provide
Proof of address
Council tax bill, bank statement, water bill, benefits letter (dated within 12 months), driving licence (showing address), or letter from school/NHS/GP (under 16).
Proof of identity
Birth certificate, passport, driving licence, marriage/civil partnership certificate, or divorce/dissolution certificate, national insurance number (if available).
Recent digital photograph
Head and shoulders, colour (may not be required for terminal illness).
Proof of eligibility
Automatic
- Benefits Award letter dated within the last 12 months
- SR1 form (if terminally ill).
Further Assessment (if not automatic)
- Medical evidence: Diagnosis letter, evidence of condition progression, medication details, specialist consultations, risk assessments.
- Medical records: Patient summary, Education health and care plans, social housing assessment reports, professional letters regarding your care.
- Other benefits proof (if applicable).
- Contact details of professionals supporting your application.
Important notes
- Documents received by mail will not be returned (send copies only)
- GP evidence alone is insufficient. Costs are not reimbursed.
- Ensure your name, address, or date of birth/NHS number is clearly visible on all documents.
Medical assessments
If required, you will be contacted to schedule an appointment for a medical assessment.
Please note, if you apply but do not have a qualifying benefit, you will have to undergo an independent mobility assessment. Please contact us for an application pack if you need to arrange an assessment.
Cost
The cost of a blue badge is £10.
Once we have received the required documents and photograph, we will call or e-mail you to request a payment. Please make sure you fill in your preferred contact details on the application.
How long your Blue Badge application will take
There is currently a high demand for blue badge parking permits. Please apply for your permit as soon as possible. The Council recommends applying for your blue badge renewal at least four months in advance of the expiration date on your current permit.
