Blue Badges: Application Delays

Oral Answers to Questions — Regional Development – in the Northern Ireland Assembly at 3:15 pm on 1 February 2016.

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Photo of Daniel McCrossan Daniel McCrossan Social Democratic and Labour Party 3:15, 1 February 2016

T8. Mr McCrossan asked the Minister for Regional Development, given that she will be aware of the considerable delays felt by new applicants and those who are renewing their applications to the blue badge scheme, whether current badge holders who are awaiting renewal can use their outdated badge. (AQT 3418/11-16)

Photo of Michelle McIlveen Michelle McIlveen DUP

I thank the Member for his question. I am more than aware of the issues around delays in processing blue badges. The blue badge unit has been given additional staff to help deal with the backlog of applications, and I am pleased to say that the backlog has reduced quite considerably from over 8,000 applications to 4,602 at present. Staff are dealing with assessed applications that were received in early December 2015 and the automatic eligibility applications that were received on 30 December 2015. At present, the new application can be completed online. I also want to assure the Member that my understanding is that those badges are still valid while the new badges are being processed.

Photo of Daniel McCrossan Daniel McCrossan Social Democratic and Labour Party

I thank the Minister for her answer. She has, more or less, answered my supplementary question. I just wanted some details on how the new scheme will be rolled out, and the time frames for it.

Photo of Michelle McIlveen Michelle McIlveen DUP

I thank the Member for his question. A project is ongoing to modernise the blue badge application process, and that is similar to the system that is available in the rest of the United Kingdom. This should make the application process much easier and less susceptible to fraud, and it will make all aspects of application easier with regard to renewal and duplicate requests being available online. This is all good news moving forward.

Photo of Mitchel McLaughlin Mitchel McLaughlin Speaker 3:30, 1 February 2016

Mr Daithí McKay is not in his place, and nor is Mr Sammy Douglas. I congratulate the Minister on a very busy and brisk Question Time; well done. The House will take its ease while we wait for the next Minister. Thank you.