Blue badge scheme available to people with anxiety and dementia

Officials say the scheme will “offer a lifeline to people with 'hidden disabilities'

People with hidden disabilities like anxiety or dementia can now apply for blue badge parking permits in England, the government has said.

The Department for Transport (DfT) issued new guidance advising that people with unseen conditions could be eligible for the scheme, which allows them to park closer to their destination.

It said it would “offer a lifeline to people” who often find road travel difficult by providing better access to work and other amenities.

The biggest change to the scheme since the 1970s, will also help to combat loneliness by enabling people to stay connected to family and friends, it added.

Despite the new criteria, local authorities will continue to have the final say on who qualifies for badges, with the system coming into force on 30 August.

“As a society, we don't do enough for people with hidden disabilities,” said Chris Grayling, transport secretary. "I hope this change to blue badge guidance will make a real difference to people's lives."

Justin Tomlinson, minister for disabled people, added: "Extending the blue badge scheme is a watershed moment in ensuring those with hidden disabilities are able to travel with greater ease and live more independent lives."

The move has also been welcomed by a number of UK charities supporting individuals with autism and mental health conditions.

Jane Harris, director of external affairs at the National Autistic Society, said the changes will help autistic people go out in the way many others take for granted.

“Just leaving the house is incredibly difficult for many autistic people – and involves detailed preparation,” she added. “Some autistic people have no concept of the dangers of the road while others are so anxious about plans going wrong, like not being able to find a parking space, that they don’t go out at all.

“Having a blue badge will be life-changing and help many to reduce loneliness and isolation.”

Ceri Smith of disability equality charity Scope agreed, adding that more needs to be done to ensure there are enough blue badge spaces near shops and amenities to meet increasing demand.

The DfT has also launched a review into blue badge fraud after the Local Government Association (LGA) estimated that theft of parking permits rose by 45 per cent in 2018, a six-fold increase since 2013.

“Despite limited resources, councils are trying to crack down on dishonest motorists by prosecuting offenders and seizing Blue Badges suspected of being used illegally, so it is good that the Government has listened to our concerns and has committed to a review which will support councils in tackling fraudulent use,” the LGA said in a statement.

"People can help councils win the fight against Blue Badge fraud, by tipping us off about people they suspect are illegally using a badge, bearing in mind this new eligibility and that people's need for a badge might not be obvious."

Those eligible can apply for or renew a blue badge online here.

A blue badge costs up to £10 in England and £20 in Scotland. It’s free in Wales.