How do I appeal?

An appeal against a decision to refuse a Blue Badge must be made:

• In writing to the manager of the Blue Badge Unit, and
• within 28 days of the date the decision was made.

The appeal should clearly state:

• The full circumstances of your case including any new information that has come to hand, and
• the reasons why you feel your individual circumstances meet the regulations

You should also include any evidence from anyone who wishes to support your case.

What will happen next?

• You will be notified of the date on which your appeal will be discussed by the panel and the names of the appeal panel members.
• You will be asked if you would like to attend the panel meeting and given the opportunity to bring one friend, relative or representative. If you are unable to attend you can nominate someone else to attend on your behalf.
• You will also be asked whether or not you have received any further evidence you wish the panel to see. This evidence should be received by the Blue Badge Unit at least seven working days before the panel meeting.
• Your papers will be prepared and passed to the panel members four days before their meeting to give them the opportunity to consider your circumstances in full.

The appeal panel

The panel consists of two officers of the local authority (not staff of the Blue Badge Unit) and one member of an outside agency dealing with issues concerning people with disabilities.

What happens at the panel meeting?

An applicant and/or their representative may attend their panel hearing and will be given 10 minutes at the start of the hearing to state the circumstances of their case.

If necessary the panel will ask for further information or clarification of the case as presented by you or your representatives.

You and/or your representative will then be asked to leave and the panel will consider your appeal and come to a decision.

What happens after the panel meeting?

• The panel will inform us of their decision
• We will write and let you know their decision within five working days
• If for any reason a decision is held over to the next panel meeting you will be kept informed of what is going on and why.

The decision of the panel is final. But if you wish to take your case further you may appeal to the Ombudsmen on the basis of maladministration in accordance with Regulation 10 of the Disabled Persons (Badges for Motor Vehicles) (England The decision letter will tell you how to appeal to the Ombudsman.