FOI Request - Discretionary Blue Badge Applications

Request 101003988267

1. Assessment Process. Please provide a description of the council’s process for assessing discretionary Blue Badge (Subject to Further Assessment and Risk in Traffic) applications , including:

a) Criteria used to determine eligibility
b) Any mobility assessment tools, scoring systems, or medical evidence requirements
c) Whether the council uses in person assessments, desk based assessments, independent mobility assessors, or contracted assessment providers

2. Outcomes of Discretionary Applications. For the last Five calendar years (or another period you hold data for), please provide:

a) The total number of discretionary Blue Badge applications received
b) The number and percentage approved on first application for
c) The number and percentage refused on first application
d) The number of applicants who submitted an appeal or review
e) The number and percentage of appeals/reviews that resulted in a Blue Badge being granted

3.Equality Characteristics Breakdown. For the same period, please provide any equality monitoring data collected relating to discretionary Blue Badge applicants, including (where held):

a) Age (e.g., by band, such as 18–29, 30–44, etc.)
b) Gender (Sex)
c) Disability type or category (if recorded)
d) Ethnicity
e) Socio economic indicators (e.g., SIMD decile), if held
f) Any other protected characteristic the council gathers in relation to the Blue Badge process

(Please note I am requesting aggregated statistical data only, not any identifiable personal information.

If full equality breakdowns are not held, please confirm what protected characteristic data is collected, and provide any available statistics).

4. Waiting Times For the same period, please provide:

a) The average processing time for discretionary applications
b) The average time for appeal/review decisions

5. Complaints

a) Number of complaints relating to Blue Badge assessments
b) Categories of complaint
c) Outcomes

6. Internal Guidance. Please provide copies of:
a) Any internal guidance, assessment forms, scripts, or training materials used by staff when assessing discretionary Blue Badge applications
b) Any guidance provided to external assessors (if used)