Summary: Mr X complained the Council failed to properly assess his application for a Blue Badge.

Finding

The Ombudsman upheld the complaint and found fault causing injustice.

Recommendations

The Council has agreed to:

• apologise to Mr X to recognise the time and trouble he was put to because of this matter;
• assess Mr X’s eligibility for a Blue Badge, using both tests set out in the guidance issued by the Department for Transport for issuing Blue Badges. If he does not automatically qualify, it should explain the outcome to him. The Council should make sure the assessment is in line with the guidance;
• review its procedures to make sure it is assessing Blue Badge applicants using both tests for eligibility in line with the guidance;
• carry out training for relevant staff to make sure they are aware of the procedures;
• implement an appeals procedure, in line with the guidance for refused Blue Badge applicants;
• keep its records about unsuccessful Blue Badge applications for at least a year so it can respond to any complaints and these complaints can be reviewed by us;
• amend its information and records policy to show how long it will keep Blue Badge records in future; and
• invite any rejected applicants from the last six months to submit their applications for reconsideration.

Ombudsman satisfied with Council's response: 26 November 2020.

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