Blue badges offering free parking for disabled individuals have surged by up to 600% in some parts of the UK over the past five years, amid a broader increase in benefits claims. The number of badges issued in London has more than doubled, and campaigners say this trend reflects a nationwide phenomenon.
Sharp Increases in London Boroughs
Southwark has seen the most dramatic rise, with badges increasing from 655 in 2020 to over 4,576 in 2025—a staggering 613% jump. Other Labour-run boroughs have also experienced triple-figure surges: Merton by 170%, Brent by 141%, and Barking and Dagenham by 146%.
Fraudulent Badges on the Rise
Fraud is compounding the issue. A BBC report last year found that there are now more fake blue badges than ever in the UK. An internal report from Southwark Council, obtained via a Freedom of Information request, privately admits that nearly one in ten badges checked are forged—meaning they were stolen, expired, or belonged to deceased individuals. This suggests the true number of badges in use is far higher.
Richard Holden MP, shadow transport secretary, commented: "There's been an explosion in blue badges that has accelerated under Labour. While everyone rightly wants to see those in real need helped with disability access, it's clear that abuse is now widespread and growing. It is both those in genuine need of blue-badge disabled access and hardworking taxpayers who are paying the price of Labour's failure to get a grip on welfare."
Expanded Eligibility Since 2019
In 2019, the scheme was expanded to include individuals with hidden disabilities, such as ADHD, autism, and anxiety. These now account for one-third of all badges issued. The number of badges for non-visible disabilities has trebled since 2021, while the scheme was originally intended only for those with mobility issues.
Some senior Labour figures have welcomed the increase. One party strategist said: "More people getting blue badges is likely because we have widened eligibility criteria—that is a good thing." However, severely disabled people are struggling to find available spaces.
Impact on Severely Disabled
Laura Hattersley, director of disability charity CASK Research, said: "Every year there seems to be fewer and fewer available disabled parking spaces. Since my daughter is in a wheelchair-adapted vehicle, we rely on these spaces, which are wider than normal and need more space for our ramp. Councils must either increase the number of disabled parking spaces or ensure blue badges are prioritised for people with the most severe disabilities."
In some councils, the average wait to approve and paint a new disabled bay is 52 weeks. Depending on location, badge holders can park for free in pay-and-display bays and on single and double yellow lines. In London, blue badges also exempt holders from the £18-a-day congestion charge, providing a significant financial incentive.
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "Councils are responsible for assessing applications fairly and rigorously, and they have powers to take action where the scheme is misused. Abuse of blue badges is a criminal offence and undermines support for the people this scheme is there to help."
