MPs have raised concerns about a 'postcode lottery' for Blue Badge access, prompting a response from the Leader of the House of Commons. The update follows worries about people being refused the assistance.
A Blue Badge offers parking, travel, and access concessions throughout the UK. People qualify either automatically through specific benefits or through a local council assessment if they have severe walking or non-visible hidden disabilities.
Postcode lottery concerns
Labour MP Cat Smith said: "Across the country we have a postcode lottery on access to blue badges for people who are suffering from Parkinson's. May we have a debate in Government time about this postcode lottery, because access to blue badges is a real enabler for people with disabilities to get out and go to work, education, appointments and so on?"
The Leader of the House of Commons, Sir Alan Campbell, replied: "My hon. Friend raises important concerns. I understand that she successfully lobbied her local council not to go ahead with a proposal to scrap free blue badge parking in council car parks. If that is the case, I pay tribute to her and local campaigners for their hard work. Regarding her concerns about people with Parkinson's having issues accessing blue badges, I will ensure she gets a response from the relevant Minister to address her points directly."
Child's appeal turned down
Labour's Mark Sewards drew attention to a further issue: "I represent a 15-year-old constituent with a serious heart condition that he is awaiting surgery for. He has been told not to overexert himself, because even walking puts his health at risk. Sadly, his family's appeal for a blue badge has been turned down because they cannot demonstrate that he will have the problem in three years, post-surgery."
Sir Alan replied: "I will ensure that he gets a response from the relevant Minister. If that is not a sufficiently appropriate response to his concerns, then I encourage him to seek an Adjournment debate so that he can make his case more strongly."
Scheme statistics
There were 3.07 million valid Blue Badges held in England as of 31 March 2025, according to the Department for Transport Blue Badge Scheme Statistics. Blue Badges are issued according to the needs of the applicant and are not linked to any particular condition, the Department for Transport confirmed.
As of 31 March 2025, 5.2% of the population in England held a valid Blue Badge. The North East recorded the highest proportion of Blue Badge holders relative to its population at 6.1%, while London had the lowest at 3.5%.
When issued, a Blue Badge remains valid for up to 3 years. In August 2019, the eligibility criteria for the Blue Badge scheme were broadened to encompass more people with non-visible and neurological conditions that may impact their ability to access goods and services.
More than two-fifths of the badges issued in 2024/25 were granted without further assessment. Depending on the area, they frequently allow holders to park free of charge in pay-and-display bays and for up to three hours on single and double yellow lines. In London, badge holders are exempt from the congestion charge, which costs £18 per day.
Misuse concerns
Earlier this year, councils were urged to clamp down on the misuse of blue badge parking permits, as the proportion of holders reached a record one in 20. The AA called for greater efforts to tackle offences such as the use of fraudulent or stolen blue badges.
AA president Edmund King said at the time: "The blue badge scheme is a mobility lifeline for millions of legitimate users and their families. Our concern is not the absolute number of badges issued but the estimates that up to one in five badges may be used by someone other than the holder or authorised user. Fraud is an issue which can include family misuse, use after death, counterfeit badges and theft and resale of badges. We would welcome a crackdown on illegitimate use of badges to safeguard the deserving users."
A DfT spokesperson said: "Exploitation and abuse of the blue badge scheme is completely unacceptable and is a criminal offence. Local authorities have been given improved powers to crack down on fraud and misuse in their area, and work closely with the police."
