Back to News

Advice NI welcome publication of Blue Badge 'discretionary' criteria

Department for Infrastructure publish Blue Badge ‘Assessment’ criteria used in applications for the Blue Badge which are 'Discretionary' in nature and do not fall within 'Automatic' entitlement.

Speaking about the publication of this information, Kevin Higgins, Head of Policy Advice NI said:

“I would pay tribute to the work of Sean O’Farrell, Senior Adviser, Advice North West, who has diligently pursued this issue with the Department. Publication of the discretionary criteria provides transparency for all those people who need a Blue Badge but who do not fall within automatic entitlement for example by receiving the higher rate of the mobility part of Disability Living Allowance or receiving eight points or more under the 'moving around' activity for the mobility part of Personal Independence Payment. The discretionary criteria is applied to applicants who have a permanent disability which means they cannot walk or have a lot of difficulty walking.”

The Blue Badge scheme offers on-street parking concessions for people with severe mobility problems. Benefits include free on-street parking in ‘pay and display’ bays.

The Blue Badge scheme is an important service for people with severe mobility problems. It allows badge holders to park close to where they need to go.

Notes:

  1. Press Contact - Kevin Higgins, Head of Policy, Advice NI on 028 9064 5919
  2. Advice NI is the umbrella body for the Independent Advice Network in Northern Ireland. In 2019/2020 Advice NI and its members dealt with 540,983 enquiries, the majority being social security benefits related.
  3. To find out more about the work of the Independent Advice Network or to obtain copies of the various publications produced by Advice NI, please contact us on 028 90 645919, email comms@adviceni.net or visit our www.adviceni.net
  4. The Blue Badge ‘Assessment’ criteria used in applications for the Blue Badge which are 'Discretionary' in nature and do not fall within 'Automatic' entitlement can be found here: DfI/2019-0258: EIR Request for a copy of the 'Assessment' criteria used by the Department in applications for the Blue Badge which are 'Discretionary' in nature and do not fall within 'Automatic' entitlement | Department for Infrastructure (infrastructure-ni.gov.uk)