Consultation on Blue Badge Reform Programme - Introduction of charges

Coventry City Council is seeking views on a proposal to introduce a charge for Blue Badges.

The Blue Badge Scheme provides concessionary parking entitlement to those individuals who satisfy the statutory eligibility criteria. The concessions are intended to enable an individual to park closer to essential amenities within the community. There are currently approximately 13,000 Blue Badge holders in Coventry.

The Government announced on 14 February 2011 a major programme of reforms to the scheme that will include the establishment of a central 'Blue Badge' database. As a result, the Council will have to pay £4.60 in future for each badge it issues.

Coventry does not at present charge for providing Blue Badges as it was not considered to be cost effective to collect the £2 maximum charge. As part of the government's reforms to the Blue Badge scheme Councils can now charge a maximum of £10 per badge. Consideration has been given to continuing not to make a charge, however the changes will increase administration costs to £56,000 per annum and this is not sustainable. As a consequence, the Council is proposing to introduce a charge of £10 per Blue Badge. Blue Badges are normally valid for three years.

Evidence from the Government review suggests that the average benefit for badge holders for having a badge (and not having to pay parking charges) is estimated to be £300 over the 3-year period for which the badges are valid.

Have a say

Coventry City Council would like to know what you think about this proposal. You can let us know your views on the proposal by completing a short online survey.

Alternatively you can contact us by using the below details to let us know your views or if you require any of this information in another language or format:

Community Services Directorate
Blue Badge Consultation
Coventry City Council
SS110
Civic Centre 1, Little Park Street
Coventry
CV1 5RS

The consultation period closes on 16 March 2012 and the outcome of the consultation and recommendations will be presented to Cabinet on 17 April. If the recommendations are approved, it is proposed that charges will be introduced from 1 June 2012.

Finding out more about the changes

If you would like to find out more about the changes, we have arranged three public meetings. These are on:

Wednesday 18 January at 12.00pm
Wednesday 25 January at 12.00pm
Wednesday 1 February at 6.00pm

Venue: United Reformed Church, Warwick Road, Coventry, CV1 1EX