Blue badge scheme: What are the changes and what are 'hidden disabilities'?

The system currently benefits around 2.4 million disable people in England

The Department for Transport has confirmed that, from 2019, people with “hidden disabilities” will be granted blue badge parking permits enabling them to park closer to their destination.

In what marks the biggest overhaul of the current system in 40 years, government plans mean that those with less obvious conditions – such as mental health problems or autism – will have the same right to park in disabled bays as those with physical disabilities.

The move comes following an eight-week consultation in January which had more than 6,000 responses and highlighted the fact that people with mental health problems often struggle with the same travel issues as the physically disabled.

But, what exactly is a "hidden disability" and how will the new changes impact the lives of people with them?

What are "hidden disabilities"?

An umbrella term that captures a whole spectrum of conditions, “hidden disabilities” can range from mental health issues such as depression to physical disabilities which don’t necessarily require the use of wheelchairs or crutches, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, Invisible Disabilities UK reports.

Some of the most common "hidden disabilities" include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Bipolar
• Agoraphobia
• Autism
• ADHD
• Coeliac disease
• Crohn's disease
• Colitis
• Myalgic Encephalopathy or 'ME'
• Epilepsy
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Chronic pain
• Lupus
• Cystic Fibrosis

Who can apply for a blue badge?

In addition to those with physical disabilities, the blue badge will now be extended to people who cannot make a journey without “a risk of serious harm to health or safety”, including children.

Those who also find journeys cause “considerable physical distress” or have difficulty with “both the physical act and the experience of walking” can also apply.

You can apply or renew a blue badge here.

What does the blue badge entitle you to?

The permit costs £10 from local authorities and enables you to park in spaces for blue badge holders. In addition, badge holders can also park on single or double yellow lines for up to three hours unless there’s a “no loading” sign.

You can also ask for a disabled parking space near your home, however there are different rules about who can apply so you will need to check with your local council to find out if you are eligible.

What difference will the new changes make?

Currently the rules surrounding the blue badge scheme in England do not specifically exclude those with hidden disabilities, however they “are open to interpretation” by local authorities.

Considering that around three out of four blue badge holders say they would go out less often if they did not have one, according to the DfT, As such, it is hoped that the new changes will help to offer greater clarity.

“Blue badges are a lifeline for disabled people, giving them the freedom and confidence to get to work and visit friends independently,” Transport minister Jesse Norman said in a statement.

“The changes we have announced today will ensure that this scheme is extended equally to people with hidden disabilities so that they can enjoy the freedoms that many of us take for granted.”

A number of UK charities have praised the move including the Mental Health Foundation, Mind and the National Autistic Society.

Isabella Goldie, director of Mental Health Foundation, tells The Independent: “We welcome the news that the Blue Badge initiative is being extended to people with mental health issues.

“For many people, having the ability to be assured a parking space can help encourage them to go out and engage with people and avoid becoming isolated and cut off at home.

“This also recognises that tasks that many of us take for granted – like going to the shops – can be deeply distressing for some people with mental health problems. A simple thing like being able to park a car easily, can make a significant difference.

“It is also another step to creating a society in which we take mental health problems as seriously as we take physical health problems and create real parity between the two."