Meeting of the Parliament 20 May 2014
I thank members for taking part in the debate, and I thank the minister for responding to some of the issues that members raised.
I can offer some degree of reassurance on the sensitivity of confiscations, which we discussed quite a lot with the review group. I have been reassured that training already exists in local authorities, such as disability awareness training and training on engaging with the public in areas of conflict. I am quite content with the training that is in place.
Confiscation of any blue badge will be done only as a last resort. Whether a badge is confiscated by the police or an enforcement officer, that will happen only if the confiscator is absolutely sure that the badge has been tampered with, has been used fraudulently, or is in the possession of someone who should not have it.
Training and information for blue badge holders was also raised by members. Cameron Buchanan is absolutely right about the booklet that goes with the blue badge. I think that, when the majority of people get a blue badge, they look at the blue badge and put the information booklet in the drawer. They are not really aware of all the responsibilities that they have as a blue badge holder, and we need to ensure that they are aware of those responsibilities. The top 10 tips, which we are looking to produce, will be produced with the enforcement and review group that we are working with.