Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what guidance has been given to local authorities on the awarding of Blue Badges to individuals with self-diagnosed ADHD.

The Blue Badge scheme is a vital lifeline for many disabled people, supporting their independence and access to everyday activities. The scheme is open to eligible people irrespective of whether they are travelling as a driver or as a passenger.

The Blue Badge scheme local authority guidance (England) is published on GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-blue-badge-scheme-local-authority-guidance-england/blue-badge. The guidance document is non-statutory and provides good practice advice for local authorities in England on administering and enforcing the Blue Badge scheme in their area.

A self-diagnosis of ADHD, i.e. a diagnosis that hasn’t been backed up by a medical assessment, is not acceptable evidence for a Blue Badge. Each application is assessed on its own merits, with local councils making decisions based on both supplied and expert assessor evidence. It is the responsibility of each local authority to ensure that badges are only issued to residents who satisfy one or more of the eligibility criteria set out in the legislation that governs the scheme. Under no circumstances should anyone who does not satisfy at least one of the criteria receive a badge.

Misuse of a Blue Badge is a criminal offence and undermines support for the people this scheme is there to help. That’s why local authorities have robust powers to investigate suspected abuse and take appropriate enforcement action where necessary.