Blue Badge renewal

ExDancer

I didn't know they ran out. How do we apply for a renewal as I see mine runs out next month?
Does the renewal method vary from region to region.

The process, as far as I know, applies to all areas:

www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge

If you're not sure, the Blue Badge department at your local council, will advise.

My LA will not accept applications for renewals until 8 weeks before Blue Badge expires,mine ends on 22/8/22 so cannot apply for renewal until 22/6/22 helpful man at end of phone said it will take 7-10 days so all areas are so different.

DD2 has to obtain a letter every time, showing she qualifies as her disability is ‘for life’. She can’t use the original letter and there’s a new photograph every time.

I didn't know they ran out. How do we apply for a renewal as I see mine runs out next month?
Does the renewal method vary from region to region.

My mother's has run out. Didn't know it ran out ever! Any way it is valid till late 2022 due to delays - Edinburgh Council.

nanaK54 I think people don't realise how helpful MPs can be. When I worked in the civil service MPs queries were always given priority. I have used mine lots of times.

I have just received my Blue Badge. I applied two weeks ago as I have M E /CFS. I don't get any benefits but thought it was worth a try. The form was very simple and I used a GP letter from 2010 as evidence. I am so pleased. I can't use public transport and the Badge will really help. I'm in N Ireland.

Well I am blowed!
The email to our MP made all the difference and badge is now, hopefully, on it's way

Honeysuckleberries

In Surrey, I forgot about renewal and was 2 days from expiry date. It was renewed and sent within 2 days, all done online. Super service.

That's so good

In Surrey, I forgot about renewal and was 2 days from expiry date. It was renewed and sent within 2 days, all done online. Super service.

South Staffordshire. I can't imagine they have anything like the demand that comes from big cities.

Boz

Just received my renewed Blue Badge. It took 6 days. No complaints.

That's fantastic!

Just received my renewed Blue Badge. It took 6 days. No complaints.

Thoro

I applied for my husband under the hidden disability heading as he has dementia and I was really unsure he would get it. Was told it would take at least 8 weeks and not to ring for an update unless it was longer than 8 weeks. In the meantime I broke my wrist so couldn’t drive him anyway but decided as 9 weeks had gone by to follow it up. The phone was answered really quickly and the young gentleman (well he sounded young!) apologised and then talked about covid, short of staff etc. I was super nice to him (I couldn’t drive anyway so was in no hurry) and he said he would sort it on Monday (I rang on a Friday).
I had an email on Sunday (presumably he was working from home) and the badge came by the Wednesday. Only another week to go before my cast comes off!

That's good news all round Thoro

I applied for my husband under the hidden disability heading as he has dementia and I was really unsure he would get it. Was told it would take at least 8 weeks and not to ring for an update unless it was longer than 8 weeks. In the meantime I broke my wrist so couldn’t drive him anyway but decided as 9 weeks had gone by to follow it up. The phone was answered really quickly and the young gentleman (well he sounded young!) apologised and then talked about covid, short of staff etc. I was super nice to him (I couldn’t drive anyway so was in no hurry) and he said he would sort it on Monday (I rang on a Friday).
I had an email on Sunday (presumably he was working from home) and the badge came by the Wednesday. Only another week to go before my cast comes off!

Boz

Keep using the old badge with a little sticker to say new badge pending. No one will challenge you.

Yes they will. If you park on a public highway and use an expired badge you’ll be fined. The problem is that there is so much blue badge misuse these days - authorities can’t and don’t make concessions.

Mine has already expired and I'm currently on week 12, haven't even received an acknowledgement. I applied online and no they don't pick up the phone. Not so bothered about having to pay to park locally but miss the congestion charge elememt when I have to visit hospitals in central london that's 15 quid each time and parking anything between 10 and 20 quid.

Boz

I renewed last week and was told 10 days. What I don't know is is the LA issue blue badges or is the system centralised?

The system is done by area, it is not centralised. In our area, you have to send your application by post, there isn't even a post box or reception desk at the office. They are also terribly difficult to get hold of.

Boz

I renewed last week and was told 10 days. What I don't know is is the LA issue blue badges or is the system centralised?

I am in Kent, so for us it is Kent County Council
Are you sure they said 10 days, we were told 10 weeks, but as I said upthread we are at 14 weeks and counting

Boz

I renewed last week and was told 10 days. What I don't know is is the LA issue blue badges or is the system centralised?

When I got mine, it was issued by each local authority. Although the same form was used, the process was different in Manchester where I tried to get one for my mum to that in Stockport who issued mine.

I renewed last week and was told 10 days. What I don't know is is the LA issue blue badges or is the system centralised?

Ours was a straightforward renewal. It should have been simple and quick, but took over 3 months.

I had applied in plenty of time, but it took much longer than they promise.

Still, no one can ever accuse Bromley Council of being efficient, and this was before Covid.

It's even worse now.?

And applying for it in Bromley was , for my Mum, exhausting and uncaring.

We’re just n Bromley , and so did we !?

icanhandthemback

I waited 18 weeks for my last badge. They said it was with the new changes as to who qualifies but this had been coming for a long time and no plans were made to protect the disabled from such long waits. It is disgusting.

Good heavens 18 weeks!
Disgusting is the right word
We have only just started getting out and about as DH is CEV, looks like we will be staying home again

I waited 18 weeks for my last badge. They said it was with the new changes as to who qualifies but this had been coming for a long time and no plans were made to protect the disabled from such long waits. It is disgusting.