12 Informal Working Group Report - Blue Badge Service PDF 200 KB
The attached report contains the findings of an informal Overview & Scrutiny (O&S) working group on the Blue Badge Service. The purpose of the member-led working group was to establish background information on the service in order to determine if further in depth scrutiny was warranted.
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The Chair of the Board presented a report a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'C' to these minutes in the Minute Book. The Board was advised that the report contained the findings of an informal Overview and Scrutiny (O&S) working group on the Blue Badge Service. The purpose of the member-led working group was to establish background information on the service in order to determine whether further in-depth scrutiny was warranted. The Chair explained that the group carried out its work on an informal basis but had come up with a number of recommendations following its investigations. recommendations suggested. The Board was advised that one of the issues raised was with the CRM system which would probably lead to further change in the future.
The Board was advised that the service was operating within government guidelines, which was to process applications within 12 weeks. The Service was currently processing applications in approximately 8 weeks. It was important that the public was aware of how long the process would take and that they should be encouraged to apply early enough to get the badge when required.
It was noted that there was an informal local agreement with the parking team to take into consideration expired badges up to 8 weeks.
It was noted that many people applying for Ble Badges were not online and the public needed to know how to access the service. The Board was advised that library staff were available to offer help.
Following a suggestion it was agreed to add a recommendation that officers consider whether a feedback form could be provided to customers.
With regards to a question as to whether reminders could be sent, it was noted that this was a national issue and the Council were working with the LGA on this.
A further suggestion was made that there should be a facility for training Councillors, in order for them to be able to liaise with residents.
RESOLVED that
1. The report of the informal working group recommending that no formal, in-depth scrutiny review is required be noted;
2. The Board supplies the following recommendations to Officers for consideration:
a) Officers continue to explore methods and the costs of providing Blue Badge renewal applicants with renewal reminder and make appropriate recommendations to the responsible cabinet portfolio holder;
b) Officers consider the addition of a carers tick box to the application form to indicate the Blue Badge holder receives services from Adult Social Care which may allow verification of the application via data already held by the Council;
c) Officers consult with LGA members on the appropriateness of the Blue Badge fee to determine if an approach to government to increase the fee is desirable and/or warranted;
d) Officers consider producing a Blue Badge service flowchart;
e) Officers consider adding a note on the Council website to explain why an application may take up to 12 weeks to process.
f) Officers consider ... view the full minutes text for item 12