Janet Finch-Saunders, Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy is delighted to support STAND (Stronger Together for Additional Needs and Disabilities) North Wales CIC with their petition to have Blue Badges provided on a lifelong basis for individuals with a lifelong diagnosis.
Members of STAND North Wales have expressed their frustration with the Senedd Petitions Committee and the Welsh Government, feeling unheard despite three reviews by the Committee.
The Committee and Welsh Government have explained that the legislation clearly outlines that Blue Badges must be renewed every three years and that renewing a badge with lifelong disabilities is possible without repeat medical assessments.
However, the petition explains that reapplying for Blue Badges is unduly onerous for people with a lifelong diagnosis and their families. They outline that there is not enough information about reapplying meaning that in reality many families are forced into providing a medical assessment every three years or they lose their Blue Badge.
Commenting on the news, Janet said:
“This to me seems a completely rational request from a community that is feeling ignored and increasingly frustrated.
“In reality it seems that reapplying for a badge when you have a lifelong disability is incredibly difficult and convoluted. The paperwork is apparently identical for first-time applicants and renewals, making it difficult for Local Authorities to distinguish between those applying for badges for the first time and those reapplying.
“As such, in reality many are forced into undergoing gruelling and demoralising re-assessments to apply.
“I hope that the Welsh Government will reconsider and allow this rational request to be taken seriously.”
ENDS
