What is it?
The Blue Badge scheme is a national scheme for local people who
have severe walking difficulties, regularly drive but are unable to
turn the steering wheel by hand, or are registered blind.
It allows them to park legally, close to places they need to
visit such as shops and public buildings.
Blue Badge holders can also park free in some pay and display
car parks and on single and double yellow lines in most streets for
up to three hours.
Who can get a Blue Badge?
You can get a Blue Badge automatically if:
- You receive Disability Living at the higher rate for getting
around;
- You are registered blind;
- You receive a War Pensions Mobility Supplement;
- You have severe disability in both upper limbs and regularly
drive a vehicle with an adapted steering column.
All other applications will need to be assessed by an
independent mobility assessor to show a permanent and substantial
disability which causes inability to walk or a very considerable
difficulty in walking. In line with changes introduced from
January 2012 as part of the Government's reform programme,
it is no longer possible for this assessment to be carried by
the applicant's own GP.
Changes to the application process will make it easier to
crack down on fraud, improve customer service and speed up the
time it takes to renew Blue Badges. Stockport Council will still be
in charge of administering the Blue Badge scheme
and, although local authorities can now charge up to £10
for a Blue Badge, does not intend to charge for Blue
Badges at this time.
How do I apply?
Applying for or renewing a badge might mean completing a
different application form to one you may have completed before.
This may also involve providing different information so that we
can process your application more effectively and make an informed
decision about whether or not you need to have a mobility
assessment.
The simplest way to apply is to visit the Directgov website
where you will be able to check to see if you are
eligible or not, apply for and renew a badge. You will also be able
to track the progress of your application and sign up for text and
email reminders at renewal time.
Apply online at the Directgov
website
If you would prefer to receive a printed copy of the
application form please phone 0161 474 3422 and leave
your name and address and we will send you an application pack. Or
you can pick up an application form from any Stockport Direct Local
Centre or library. To find details of your local Stockport Direct
Local Centre phone 0161 217 6009. You can also get an
electronic version of the application form and the guidance notes
to print off by following the links below.
Application Form and Guidance Notes
How can I find out more information about the application
process?
Follow the link below for more detailed information about the
application process, what documents you need to produce to support
your application and what happens after you apply.
More information
What happens next?
If you are eligible for a Blue Badge parking permit it will be
issued in accordance with guidance from the Government and it will
be sent to you by post. If you are not eligible, you will receive a
letter telling you why and giving information about how to appeal
against the decision.
Due to high levels of demand at the moment you may experience a
delay in response so please allow up to 21 days for your
application to be processed.
Please contact
me
about this service