§ John BarrettTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what plans he has to propose570W legislation on the Blue Badge Scheme following the recommendations of the Disabled Persons' Advisory Committee;[133504]
(2) what progress has been made towards the formation of a central database of Blue Badge holders;[133505]
(3) how much money was raised from charges for applications for Blue Badge disability vehicle stickers in each year since 1990; and what percentage each of these figures represents of the estimated cost of administering the badges in those years;[133506]
(4) how many people have been prosecuted for abuse of the Blue Badge disability vehicle sticker system in each year since 1990;[133511]
(5) what discussions he has had with the Scottish Executive regarding new common guidance on the issuing of Blue Badge disability vehicle stickers. [133512]
§ Mr. McNultyFollowing the review of the Blue Badge Scheme, we are taking forward DPTAC's recommendations through changes to primary and secondary legislation, research and in new guidance to local authorities on the Scheme.
We are pursuing a suitable legislative slot for those changes requiring primary legislation. In the meantime, we have begun work on those recommendations which require amendments to secondary legislation and we will also be letting a number of research projects (including one looking at the feasibility of establishing a central database) shortly. New guidance, which will cover all aspects of the Scheme, will be issued when changes have been introduced.
In taking forward the review, the Department has, and will continue to, work closely with colleagues in the Devolved Administrations. In terms of the new guidance, they will be involved throughout its development.
Timing for introduction of the changes will be subject to the outcome of the research, consultations and the parliamentary process as appropriate. I am not able at this stage to give a firm timetable, but would reassure the hon. Member that we are firmly committed to introducing the changes at the earliest possible opportunity.
The administration of the Blue Badge Scheme is the responsibility of local authorities. Under the regulations they can charge up to £2 for each badge they issue to contribute to their administrative costs. The level of the fee is being reconsidered following the recent review of the Scheme.
Although the Department and the Devolved Administrations currently ask for information as part of their annual Blue Badge statistical survey of local authorities, details do not extend to the funds collected by individual local authorities or their overall administrative costs. Neither does the statistical information include the number of prosecutions for abuse of Blue Badges. There is no legal requirement for local authorities to hold such records or to make them available to the Department.
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