House of Commons · Westminster Hall
16 July 2025 · 11 other contributors · 7,310 words
Opened by Helen Grant Con Maidstone and Malling
Responding minister: Lilian Greenwood
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Helen Grant raised concerns about blue badge eligibility in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The lead MP asks for a reconsideration of the position on blue badge eligibility criteria to include cancer patients and those with life-altering conditions, either by broadening the current system or introducing a separate but similar scheme.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Cancer patients and those with life-altering conditions are being denied blue badge eligibility despite significant side effects of treatment such as extreme fatigue, pain, and mobility restrictions. The current three-year rule and the lengthy application process of 12 to 15 weeks are out of step with cancer timelines.
Highlighted cases where constituents have been refused blue badges despite undergoing cancer treatment, advocating for a system that supports recovery rather than complicating it.
Edward Morello highlights issues with applying for blue badges online, particularly when conditions are unnamed or unrecognised, leading to automatic denials despite potential eligibility.
Suggested that a review should have been conducted within the Minister's first year of being a Minister.
Thanked all MPs for their meaningful discussion on the matter. Mentioned the work with Tristan Osborne and noted a meeting between the shadow Transport Secretary, Gareth Bacon, and the Transport Secretary.
The hon. Member for Strangford commends Helen Grant for securing this debate and suggests that certain illnesses should have automatic blue badge entitlement due to the stringent nature of the current system.
Indicated assent to Helen Grant's comments.
Asked about the review of the scheme and potential cross-departmental work with NHS.
Spoke about hospital car parks and their relevance to the blue badge scheme.
Paul Kohler praised the hon. Member for Maidstone and Malling and supported a call for a comprehensive review of the blue badge scheme to be more responsive, compassionate, and efficient. He also urged for automatic offers based on clinical records showing mobility changes and advocated for amendments in blue badge signage.
Terry Jermy highlighted issues in rural Norfolk similar to Kent, noting multiple rejections of blue badge applications despite mobility challenges. He raised concerns about the cost implications for those needing regular medical appointments and called for better oversight of local councils' criteria.
Emphasised the personal impact of restrictive blue badge eligibility, noting his own experience with a life-changing health issue at 38. Called for changes in the scheme to accommodate different scenarios of people’s everyday lives.
Government Response
Lilian GreenwoodThe Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport
I thank Helen Grant and Tristan Osborne for their contributions to the debate, highlighting personal experiences. I recognise the need for a system that is fair and consistent but acknowledge inconsistency among local authorities due to varying decisions made locally. The Department for Transport sets legislation around blue badges and provides non-statutory guidance, while monitoring processing times is left to councils themselves. I am committed to listening and considering carefully the points raised today. Discussed the history, purpose, and current challenges of the Blue Badge Scheme. Emphasised the importance of detailed information in applications, highlighted local authority efforts, and acknowledged concerns about eligibility criteria for severe mobility impairments. Noted that changes to eligibility would require significant resources and could impact parking availability.