A blue badge lets people with a disability or long-term health condition park closer to where they need to go. Some people in Gloucestershire say applying or renewing has been slow and complicated. Gloucestershire County Council says some applications are now taking longer than usual.
What residents are saying
One resident from the Forest of Dean, who has several disabilities, said she felt “bounced from service to service” while trying to get a wheelchair hoist added to her car. She was told she needed a written request from her GP, which took 14 days to arrive.
A man from Fairford said renewing his blue badge was “unnecessarily complicated”. He was told two months after applying that a decision was unlikely to be made in time. After he questioned the delay by email, the renewal was approved within 24 hours, although the badge itself took two more weeks to arrive.
What the council says
Lisa Spivey, the leader of Gloucestershire County Council, said she was sorry for the delays. The council says high demand means some applications are taking longer than its usual 12-week turnaround.
The council says it has contacted applicants about the delays and is working to reduce waiting times and improve communication. It also says it now records cases where further evidence is unlikely to be needed, so it can take a more practical approach to future applications.
What you need to know
- Allow up to 12 weeks for an application or renewal to be processed.
- The council asks you to get in touch only if your details have changed or you have new information.
- A blue badge costs £10 in England and lasts for up to three years.
To apply or renew, use the council’s official Blue Badge page at https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/disabilities/blue-badge-scheme-disabled-parking/apply-for-or-renew-a-blue-badge/ . It explains how to apply and what evidence you may need.
