I thank the Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee for their report on the blue badge scheme in Wales. I want to place on record my thanks to the clerks and all those who gave evidence during the inquiry into the eligibility and implementation of the blue badge scheme in Wales. I joined the committee towards the end of the inquiry, so I would like also to express my thanks to the former members of the committee for their role during the evidence sessions.

I am extremely disappointed by the Welsh Government's response to our report and recommendations. They initially rejected nine of our recommendations, but have since reconsidered and accepted recommendations 2, 8 and 16 in principle. I would urge the Minister to accept the other six recommendations, particularly as their rejection contradicts the Minister's position during his evidence to the committee. In particular, the Minister's rejection of recommendation 11 is highly surprising, as, during his oral evidence, he stated that it would be more desirable to have statutory guidance in place. I believe this is one of our most important recommendations as it goes to the heart of the problems of the implementation of the blue badge scheme.

I'm sure every one of us in this Chamber has had contact from a constituent complaining about inconsistencies in blue badge applications—applications that should be accepted and would be if the applicant lived elsewhere. The blue badge scheme is a lifeline for those living with disabilities that make day-to-day living that much harder. The last thing our constituents need is local authorities failing to follow the guidelines and denying them their lifeline. Statutory guidance is the only way we will achieve consistency in implementation of the blue badge scheme in all parts of Wales. The Minister knows this and he admitted this in his evidence sessions. So, why then would he reject recommendation 11? The blue badge scheme is a national scheme and there is no room for local interpretation—