I now turn to the assessment of people applying to the scheme. I think every Member will be aware that it is for local authorities to decide who meets the eligibility criteria, but Welsh Government has developed tools to assist them in their duties. The national online service, the blue badge digital service, led by England, enables online applications and arranges the production and distribution of badges. Welsh Government also funds an independent assessment service. It provides advice and assistance to local authorities when they are unable to make a decision. However, not all local authorities in Wales are using the tools provided by Welsh Government. I have asked my officials to ensure that local authorities are satisfied with the materials and assistance that Welsh Government provide and to work with local authorities on developing any further tools or training. A working group of local authorities and stakeholders has been established, and the first meeting has been incredibly productive. A programme of work is being developed to address the recommendations of the committee's report.

Turning to enforcement, recent exercises in two local authorities have uncovered levels of abuse of the blue badge parking concession scheme that cannot be ignored. In Cardiff, over a period of 12 days between April and June, 15 badges were seized because of misuse. I've personally been astonished and disgusted by the behaviours of those abusing the scheme. Even more astonishing, in Bridgend, over two days of enforcement action, officers targeted a known area, resulting in 16 serious offences, with at least 10 of these progressing towards further enforcement action. I believe that enforcement is key to protecting the concessions for badge holders, and I'm committed to ensuring that further exercises can take place. Enforcement was, in fact, identified by the committee, who recommended that I report to the Assembly next year on the performance of local authorities, and I hope, at that time, we will be able to demonstrate further progress on enforcement across other parts of Wales. Jenny Rathbone, amongst others, rightly talked about the importance of enforcement, and I'd like to just take the opportunity to assure Jenny that we have accepted in principle both recommendations 8 and 16.

Turning to communication, ensuring that the blue badge scheme is respected and also understood will help in the fight against abuse, and the committee made a number of recommendations to improve communications. Work is already being undertaken to review leaflets and guidance associated with the scheme through a work group with local authorities and stakeholders.

The inquiry has brought this valuable scheme to the forefront and has proven to be a healthy reminder of the importance of this scheme, and the importance of controlling misuse. I'm confident, Dirprwy Lywydd, that my response to the committee's recommendations and the steps that I have outlined in my address will achieve a change that is fair for all. And my rejection of some of the recommendations should not, however, be seen as my willingness not to take action via alternative interventions. I've asked my officials to work closely with local authorities to strengthen consistency in their approach to handling rejected applications, and we'll also discuss with local authorities whether they are amenable to the expansion of concessionary parking and, if so, we'll provide support to determine whether there is an opportunity to do so. Officials will continue to monitor the use of current guidance and also look for opportunities to improve its contents and its use.

With regard to recommendation 13, we will, of course, check the effectiveness of the blue badge digital service and will remind local authorities to utilise this function. I'll also examine the specific point raised by Dawn Bowden concerning renewal.

Now, while several of the recommendations were noble in intention, through their implementation, there could be—there could be—adverse consequences that the committee has not been able to investigate, such as the possible consequences of significantly increasing the number of badges in circulation. But I am open to considering further recommendations if they are based on solid quantitative and qualitative evidence. And so, to that end, I will, of course, keep Members updated on discussions relating to recommendations 4 and 11.

Again, can I thank the committee for their inquiry and their report on the blue badge scheme, which benefits almost double the proportion of citizens in Wales as in England? All Members agree that the value of the blue badge scheme must be protected, and that is something that this Welsh Government is determined to do.