Agenda and draft minutes

Councillor Powell and Councillor Riley declared that they have Blue Badges. Councillor Riley explained that Caroline Roberts is her nurse. Councillor Butler declared that husband has a blue badge.

Vanessa Badderley Potter (Chepstow Town Councillor and Deputy Mayor) attended the meeting and spoke briefly during the meeting to explain that vulnerable people struggle to complete the Blue Badge Scheme application form and that fear of not being accepted as well as pride, might prevent people who need the badges from making the application.

Cheryl Haskell delivered a presentation on the Blue Badge scheme and answered the members’ questions with Ian Saunders:

• Thanks to the Cheryl and the team for their work ~ feedback is very positive from residents. According to the Welsh Government guidance, it should take no longer than 12 weeks for an application to be assessed. Is that still the case? What tends to be the main issues that delay the renewal of a permit for those applying? Have you been able to adapt the process to improve on this turnaround for approval or a decision in some way?

Cheryl explained that the aim is to process applications as quickly as possible, but some applications, especially discretionary ones, may take longer due to the need for additional evidence. The team is small, with only one Blue Badge administrator, but three additional people have been trained to assist. The process can be delayed if waiting for evidence or an independent assessment.

• I've noticed that local government authority websites have different application processes. Some apply locally, while others apply directly to the national government scheme. Which one is better?

Cheryl mentioned that Monmouthshire uses the online digital service as the default option, which is faster because it avoids manual input. She explained that the form is written by the Department for Transport for England, and additional questions are asked to meet Welsh Government criteria.

• How quickly can a person expect to receive a Blue Badge after an SR1 form is filled in for someone with a terminal diagnosis?

Cheryl stated that if they have an SR1 form, the application can be fast-tracked and processed immediately.

• What are we doing to address the belief that the Blue Badge scheme is abused, and how can people report suspected abuse?

Cheryl explained that they work closely with parking enforcement to combat misuse. Badges suspected of being misused can be reported to her, and they will be treated discreetly and confidentially. They also rely on technologies embedded in badges to help parking enforcers identify fakes.

• St Davids’s Hospice Representative, Caroline Roberts asked why Monmouthshire requires the actual SR1 form for fast-tracking Blue Badge Applications, while other councils accept a nurses’ statement that an SR1 form has been completed. 

• A member asked whether there is consistency in the Blue Badge application process between Monmouthshire and other local authorities in the Gwent area?

Cheryl explained that Monmouthshire follows the Blue Badge Scheme in Wales Guidance, which requires the SR1 form to support the application.  She acknowledged the concern and said that she would reflect on this practice, would consult with colleagues and also Welsh Government to ask them to clarify and potentially amend the procedures to ensure a consistent approach.

• If someone is diagnosed as terminally ill but expected to live longer than a year, should they apply for a fast-track Blue Badge initially and then a discretionary application for the following period?

Cheryl advised that if a person's life expectancy is likely to be longer than a year,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

Noted.

Noted.

• 7a People Scrutiny Committee – 17th July 2024
• 7b People Scrutiny Committee – 23rd July 2024
• 7c Special Meeting of People Scrutiny Committee – 19th September 2024

The minutes were agreed, proposed by Councillor Powell and seconded by Councillor Strong.

Tuesday 21st January 2025 at 10.00am.