MPs have called for changes to Blue Badge eligibility rules after raising concerns in the Commons about a 'postcode lottery' for applicants depending on where they live. The issue was highlighted by Labour MP Cat Smith, who said access to Blue Badges varies across the country for people with conditions such as Parkinson's.
Blue Badges provide key parking, travel, and access concessions across the UK. People qualify either automatically through specific benefits or through an assessment by their local council if they have severe walking or non-visible hidden disabilities. The Department for Transport said Blue Badges are issued according to the need of the applicant and are not related to any specific condition.
MPs raise concerns in the Commons
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."
Labour's Mark Sewards highlighted another issue involving a 15-year-old constituent with a serious heart condition awaiting surgery. The family's appeal for a Blue Badge was turned down because they could not demonstrate that the problem would persist three years post-surgery. Sir Alan responded: "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 and eligibility changes
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. This represents 5.2% of the population in England. The region with the most Blue Badge holders as a proportion of their population was the North East (6.1%), while London had the lowest proportion (3.5%).
Upon issue, a Blue Badge is valid for a period of up to three years. In August 2019, the eligibility criteria were extended to include more people with non-visible and neurological disabilities, such as Parkinson's, dementia, and epilepsy. More than two-fifths of the badges issued in 2024/25 were awarded without further assessment.
Misuse concerns and response
Earlier this year, councils were urged to crack down on misuse of Blue Badge parking permits as the proportion of people holding them reached a record one in 20. The AA called for more to be done to detect offences such as using fake 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."
