KentOnline’s campaign calling for a change in government policy around who gets a Blue Badge has been backed by the shadow transport secretary, Gareth Bacon.

Cancer patient, Sandy Burr, and Bev Evans — a mum with a life-changing injury — were able to share their story of being refused a parking permit with Mr Bacon and two of the county’s MPs, Helen Grant (Con) and Tristan Osborne (Lab) at Westminster on Tuesday (May 13).

Current legislation and Department for Transport (DfT) guidance states an applicant must have an “enduring and substantial” disability” to be considered for a Blue Badge. This is defined as a condition likely to last for three years.

Over the past few months, KentOnline has highlighted the plight of cancer patients Martin White and Sandy Burr, who were denied badges because the council said it was unable to determine their conditions would endure for that time period.

These refusals, while issued by Kent County Council (KCC), are administered in line with DfT guidance, which has a strict criteria focused on mobility, which applicants have to meet.

And it is this criteria, which is preventing cancer patients and those with life-altering conditions from obtaining a Blue Badge - because how can they determine their diagnosis will sustain for three years? And, who’s to say they aren’t suffering in the meantime?

To this end, KentOnline launched its campaign, Blue Badge Battle, on March 26, which is calling for changes to the eligibility criteria and three-year-validity rule.

So far, it already has the support of five Kent MPs, including Mike Martin (Lib Dem), Sojan Joseph (Lab) and Lauren Sullivan (Lab).

During a meeting with Gareth Bacon, the Conservative MP for Orpington, those let down by the current system were able to share how their respective conditions and injuries had impacted their mobility - and share their emotional responses to being refused a Blue Badge.

The meeting was a success as the shadow transport secretary agreed to back the campaign.

Reacting to the outcome, Bev Evans from Wateringbury, said it was a “real privilege” to join the meeting and discuss the campaign.

She said: “I was able to share my personal experience of having my application rejected twice despite having a permanent broken neck which severely impacts my mobility and independence and means that I am also a danger to myself and others.

“I am unable to cross the road outside of my own house due to my very limited movement in my neck.

“All three MPs were genuinely interested and supportive and despite it being quite an emotionally draining experience it was really important to be heard, and I left feel truly supported.

“It was great to be part of a non-party political discussion and to see real cross party working in action and the recognition this is a human campaign.”

Meanwhile, finance worker Sandy, said: “I felt that I had been listened to and Gareth understood that sometimes a person’s medical conditions on paper are very different to what they are experiencing in real life.

“The politicians were all in total agreement that the Blue Badge application system needed an urgent review/change in the law.

“I left feeling very positive that finally someone was fighting for the patients and understood how many have been let down by the current process.”

As part of the next steps of the campaign, both Bev and Sandy’s MPs will be supporting their constituents to appeal the outcome of their individual applications.

And once it is understood whether primary or secondary legislation is needed to change the law, the next steps for the campaign will be decided.

In addition, Mike, Tris and Helen will be applying for a Westminster Hall Debate on the matter.

Meanwhile, KentOnline will be seeking the backing of all Kent MPs, with plans to compose a joint letter to KCC indicating they have a discretionary power to introduce a policy that would create a temporary pass provision for those with time-limited conditions.

The cross-party campaign continues to be united by the determination to ensure the Blue Badge system is not letting certain people down.

A KCC spokesperson said: “KCC received approximately 44,000 Blue Badge applications last year and assesses each one on a case-by-case basis against criteria provided by government and the information provided by the applicant.

“We advise applicants to provide as much information about their condition as possible in order for a fully informed decision to be made. Applicants will only be contacted directly if there is a question about the information provided.

“If an applicant is unhappy with the council’s decision, we advise them to undertake the appeal process where they can provide more information and will be further assessed.”

If you have been affected by this issue and want to support our Blue Badge Battle - please email news@thekmgroup.co.uk