I’m glad Vikki Howells has drawn this to our attention, because I think this is an issue that’s probably affecting other constituents of other Assembly Members. Under the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970, the local authority is responsible for issuing blue badges to applicants in their areas, including deciding whether the applicant meets the eligibility criteria. Welsh Government has developed a non-statutory toolkit to assist local authorities in their duties, and in a case where an applicant is close but has marginally failed to meet the criteria, the local authority may choose to refer the case to the independent advisory service, funded by the Welsh Government, for further assessment.

An independent medical assessment will be carried out by an occupational therapist who will look at the applicant’s mobility and provide advice to the local authority for them to consider. Welsh Government officials have been working closely with local authorities and the independent advisory service to review their guidance toolkit. It’s going to be republished in the summer. Changes include widening the margin at which applicants can be referred for further assessment and providing further guidance on the kind of evidence to be provided to make it easier for applicants to demonstrate how they meet the criteria.

So, the Cabinet Secretary will issue a statement as this guidance is republished, to make sure that Members are aware and understand, and that they can therefore monitor closely and respond to constituents’ concerns.