QUESTIONS ARE BEING asked of Moray Council’s chief executive over a six-month backlog in assessments for Blue Badge applications in the region.
The disabled parking system has reached gridlock in Moray with letters being sent out to applicants by the local authority informing them of the current six-month backlog caused “by the volume of applications being received”.
Local MSP Richard Lochhead has stepped into the situation by writing to Roddy Burns asking to what extent the number of applications have increased over the last six months. The MSP is also seeking details on what steps are being taken by the Council to address the backlog.
Mr Lochhead said: “I was concerned to hear from my constituents that people in Moray are facing such a lengthy delay in being assessed for a Blue Badge and I’m keen to know what steps the Council are taking to address these delays.
“Whilst I appreciate that there has been changes to the assessment process in recent years, for the sake of those requiring assessments, it is vital that the Council has the necessary resources in place to deal with these changes.
“I look forward to receiving a reply from the Council and hope that positive steps will be taken to reduce the current backlog, which will no doubt benefit many of my constituents.”
UK Government welfare reforms sparked changes to the Blue Badge scheme two years ago, with applicants required to meet new eligibility criteria in the Welfare Reform (Consequential Amendments) (Scotland) Regulations 2013.
In June last year the eligibility criteria was further extended covering people who were in receipt of HRMS Disability Living Allowance but who no longer get the award due to being assessed.
Further information on the Blue Badge Scheme in Scotland can be found on the Transport Scotland website.