Overview
- As of mid-June 2026, councils now process about 90% of Blue Badge claims online and report a significant rise in refusals for failing to meet strict mobility or documentary tests.
- Local authorities assess functional walking ability — distance, speed, pain and safety — and often refuse applicants who have a diagnosis but cannot show measured, long-term limits on walking.
- Common causes of rejection include missing or vague GP letters, not receiving qualifying DWP benefits, temporary injuries, incomplete online forms and poor descriptions of daily impact.
- Scotland publishes a clear list of automatic qualifiers based on specific benefits and certifications, while councils elsewhere may request mobility assessments or apply discretionary rules.
- Enforcement action is increasing: councils prosecute badge misuse, issue thousands of fines for parking offences, and applicants who are refused have the right to a written reason, to ask for reconsideration, or to reapply if their condition changes.