Written question WQ97567

Local authorities are legally responsible for the day-to-day administration and enforcement of the Blue Badge Scheme in Wales. They determine the eligibility of applications and are responsible for implementing administrative and assessment decisions in accordance with the governing legislation.

When a local authority is unable to make a decision on eligibility, they can refer an application for assessment to the Independent Advisory Service (IAS) which Welsh Government funds. The IAS are mobility experts in functional i.e. physical and or cognitive mobility.

Welsh Government have recently appointed a new contractor to provide this service, following the previous provider who ceased to trade and ended the contract at short notice. Welsh Government are currently prioritising information assurance arrangements before local authorities can once again make referrals. Unfortunately, this has regrettably caused some applications to be delayed where local authorities have not been able to make a decision in the interim. I can assure you we are working with the new provider and Cardiff Council to ensure the service is up and running as soon as possible, including prioritising those applications that have been delayed for referral.