Diolch, Llywydd. I'm very pleased to open today's debate on the Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee report on the blue badge scheme in Wales. I'd like to start by thanking all of those who contributed to our inquiry, in particular those who participated in the numerous focus-group sessions we held across the country. I'd like to welcome the representatives from Knighton Access Group, who are in the public gallery today, and thank them for facilitating one of those meetings. Diolch yn fawr.

We held 12 across Wales, which attracted higher numbers of people than any of the previous areas of engagement work we have carried out as a committee. I believe this demonstrates the importance of blue badges—they really do provide a lifeline for our communities. Without them, many would struggle to access essential services, such as medical appointments, or struggle to live independently.

We made 19 recommendations in our report, 13 of which have been accepted fully or in principle. The committee agreed that I should write to the Minister ahead of today's debate to outline our further concerns around the rejection of some of the recommendations. I hope the Minister will be able to take these matters forward by alternative methods, as he suggests in his response.

I'm pleased that recommendation 1 has been accepted, and the Welsh Government has committed to undertaking a review of the eligibility criteria for a badge. We heard a lot of evidence around linking eligibility to qualification for welfare benefits. While this may be useful for some, there are many others who are disadvantaged by the automatic qualification criteria. That is why the process for further assessment must be fit for purpose, to ensure that those who need a blue badge, but who do not automatically qualify, are able to obtain that vital lifeline. I would like to ask the Minister to provide an update to the Assembly on the outcome of the review upon its conclusion.

Recommendation 2 was accepted in principle. The important message here is to ensure that people who receive a terminal diagnosis are issued a blue badge as soon as possible. It would be preferable if guidance could make the fast-tracking of applications mandatory, but I recognise the restrictions around doing so.

The committee is disappointed at the rejection of recommendation 4. This relates to exploring options for introducing a separate concessionary parking scheme for people who require swift access to amenities but do not merit a blue badge in their own right. The Minister favoured looking at such an arrangement in his evidence to us, mentioning a parallel process for a positive parking scheme that would capture a larger number of people. Therefore, we recommended that the Welsh Government explore options for introducing such an initiative.

The response refers to the need for a firm evidence base, and while we recognise that, the essence of this recommendation is to explore options. My letter asked that the Minister reconsider, and I note that his response says that the Welsh Government will discuss with the local authorities whether they would be amenable to the expansion of concessionary parking. We would appreciate an update from the Minister once those discussions have taken place.

I'm pleased that recommendation 6 has been accepted. We understand why general practitioners no longer have a formal role in the assessment process. However, many stakeholders felt it was important that when additional information from doctors or other professionals to support an application is made available, this should receive proper consideration.

We heard of the importance of all blue badge assessors understanding and applying the social model of disability. I appreciate the Welsh Government’s position that guidance issued to local authorities cannot specify that staff must be trained. However, unless it’s obligatory, how can we be assured that such training will take place?