We Asked
We received 1216 responses to the consultation regarding proposed changes to the blue badge scheme. This included postal, email and online responses.
We asked the following questions:
Are you a blue badge holder?
To what extent do you agree or disagree that the increase in fee is reasonable?
To what extent do you agree or disagree that you will be able to afford the increase in fee?
You Said
Through the responses we recieved, the results were as follows:
Most people who responded (96%) were blue badge holders.
More than three quarters of people - 78% - who responded said they agreed or strongly agreed that the increase in fee from £2 for three years to £10 for three years was reasonable.
Four out of every five respondents (80%) agreed or strongly agreed that they would be able to afford the increase in fee.
We Did
County council Cabinet members received a report at their January 2012 meeting which gave details of responses to the consultation, as well as a detailed breakdown of the costs of delivering the scheme.
As a result of this information Cabinet members resolved that:
1.in line with national legislative changes and following local consultation, the recommendation is to increase the Blue Badge fee to the maximum of £10. This would be paid every 3 years by badge holders;
2.the badge fee to be introduced with effect from 1 March 2012.