The Blue Badge and Concessionary Travel Team support applicants when applying for and renewing Blue Badges and Bus Passes. The team have been working on streamlining the processes to support all applicants through the application process via telephone or in person.
The team received 43 compliments about their work during 2023 to 2024, most being received in November (9) and June (7).
They dealt with six formal complaints in the year, of which four were closed at Stage 1, and two went onto Stage 2. Of the two complaints at Stage 2, one was upheld, and feedback was given to the team,while the other one was not upheld.
Blue Badge Applications
In 2023 tp 2024 we saw an increase in applications of 43% compared to 2022/23, this led to an increase in Blue Badges issued of in the reporting period of 8%.
Concessionary Travel Bus Pass and Taxi Voucher Applications
The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme allows older and disabled people free travel on buses.Brighton & Hove City Council issue Bus Passes to people over 66 years old and disabled residents who meet specific criteria.
Graph showing the number of bus passes issued per financial year.
Graph showing number of taxi vouchers issued per financial year.
Blue Badge Enforcement Update
Enforcement and Investigation Officers investigate Blue Badge misuse across the city. In 2023 to 2024 they continued to have monthly joint action days with Sussex Police as part of Operation Bluebird. The ongoing aim of these joint action days is to ensure Blue Badges are being used correctly by the named badge holder, to educate those that are abusing the scheme and take appropriate action where necessary.
The officers wear body cameras as part of their uniform which are activated for interactions with people regarding Blue Badge misuse. This footage may be used as part of the investigation that is passed to the legal team.
A new dedicated Fraud Team has been created within parking to look at fraud and misuse including blue badge’s, concessionary travel passes, permits and car parks.
Table: The number of misuse cases over the past three years
| Type of case | 2021 to 2022 | 2022 to 2023 | 2023 to 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community Resolutions Orders | 153 | 179 | 197 |
| Cautions | 2 | 3 | 15 |
| Prosecutions | 25 | 52 | 56 |
| Numberof Badges retained | 254 | 267 | 279 |
|
Blue Badges destroyed due to having expired, being cancelled, or the holder being deceased |
149 | 153 | 220 |