Lib Dems Slam Blue Badge Delays

Brentwood Lib Dem County Councillors David Kendall and Barry Aspinell have slammed Essex County Council over the delays some residents are experiencing with their Blue Badge applications. The County have said some of the delays are out of their control however the Liberal Democrats believe they could have been far more proactive in trying to address the problem. The issues have arisen following new legislation which has seen Independent Medical Assessments (IMA's) replacing the previous medical assessments completed by the individuals' General Practioner. Essex County Council have appointed Essex Cares to undertake the IMA's for the County's Blue Badge scheme.

Brentwood South County Councillor David Kendall said:

"Whilst I welcome the fact that the County is now looking into the possibility of creating additional temporary capacity to deal with the backlog of assessments and administrative delays,this action should have been taken long before now. Many blue badge holders are very vulnerable members of society and the last thing they need is the extra worry and stress that these delays have caused.

"The county council took their eye off the ball on this issue and it mustn't be allowed to happen again"