The Department for Infrastructure has announced a change in the renewal application process for Blue Badge holders with life-long mobility issues.
The Blue Badge is a lifeline enabling many people with life-long mobility issues to integrate in the community and go about many of their daily routines and is an important service for people with mobility problems that enables badge holders to park close to their destination.
Following a review, the Department has produced a shortened, more accessible application process for those applicants with life-long mobility issues if their qualifying Benefits Award or proven lifelong disability remained unchanged.
It applies to both online and paper applications and will be a much less onerous task for applicants.
A simplified renewal process for Blue Badge holders with life-long mobility issues is launched by Department for Infrastructure Permanent Secretary Dr Denis McMahon in Enniskillen. Dr McMahon (centre, front row) is pictured with members of the development and implementation team.
This new process reduces the need in most cases for the renewal application to be completely reassessed and will reduce current processing times down from six to eight weeks to four to five weeks or less. Over 50,000 applications are issued annually by the Department.
Approximately sixty-five per cent of all Blue Badge applications each year will no longer need to be completely reassessed.
Launching the introduction of the simplified process, Department for Infrastructure Permanent Secretary Dr Denis McMahon said:
“The Blue Badge scheme gives many people independence to get out and about and enjoy life. Making the process easier and quicker to use for people with life-long mobility issues, is a very welcome development. The Department is committed to achieving more efficient and accessible public services.”
Dr Denis McMahon, Permanent Secretary at the Department for Infrastructure is shown how the Blue Badge Scheme is managed by Nuala Beggan at the launch of a simplified renewal process for Blue Badge holders.
Welcoming the changes to the Blue Badge Scheme, Michael Lorimer from Imtac said:
"Over 100,000 disabled and older people use the Blue Badge Scheme in Northern Ireland. For many the Scheme is crucial for getting around and doing everyday things. Imtac welcomes the changes introduced today to simplify renewals for some Blue Badge Holders.
"Reducing unnecessary form filling for the many people renewing their Badge, whose condition or impairment will not change, is a very positive change and enhances what is an essential scheme."
For more information on the Blue Badge Scheme visit https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/apply-or-renew-blue-badge-online
The Blue Badge scheme provides wide ranging parking concessions for people with severe mobility problems.
There are currently 132,833 valid Blue Badges in use in Northern Ireland. Over 60% of all Blue Badge applications are for citizens over 64 years. Fifty seven per cent of all applicants are female.