Terry Jermy MP, Member of Parliament for South West Norfolk has spoken in Parliament to highlight concerns about Norfolk County Council’s handling of the blue badge application process and eligibility criteria after dozens of constituents were rejected for the support scheme even though they have serious and long-term medical conditions, such as cancer.
Jermy gave examples of an elderly constituent who has gone through long-term treatment for breast cancer and another who had undergone a kidney transplant, which later led to complications – both of which had their applications denied.
Jermy stated there has been significant concern raised across the constituency and wider county about Norfolk County Council and their blue badge policy.
The MP spoke in a Westminster Hall debate in Parliament on Wednesday, calling for better arrangements to be put in place to monitor the time taken for councils to process blue badge applications and whether an assessment has been made about any additional local criteria’s that may be denying people blue badge eligibility.
Jermy said, “We need to broaden the criteria. People who are seriously ill are not getting the help they need. As well as the practical issue and needing to be able to access parking spaces closer to venues, there is a financial cost as well with a blue badge often helping to alleviate some parking costs which is particularly important if you have frequent trips to medical appointments for a health condition or if you are receiving treatment. This is even more important for people living in rural areas like ours where the lack of public transport compounds issues”.
