Organisers at Harborough Community Bus left frustrated after failed attempts to get Blue Badge status
Organisers of a community bus in Harborough have been left frustrated after failed attempts to get Blue Badge status - despite the fact that 65 per cent of their passengers are eligible for the badges.
The case is being taken up by Harborough's MP Neil O'Brien, who visited Harborough Community Bus's depot to speak to volunteers.
Under current rules, organisations are only eligible for an Organisational Blue Badge if they both transport people who have a Blue Badge and care for or assist them.
Harborough Community Bus meets the first requirement, but has been told it does not qualify because it does not meet the second.
Mr O’Brien recently raised the question in Parliament, and has since received a message from the Department for Transport that: “Officials will undertake a review of the Blue Badge guidance, including the section regarding organisational Blue Badges, to ensure the guidance is clear when applying for a Blue Badge.”
Mr O’Brien said: “Harborough Community Bus does fantastic work helping people who would otherwise struggle to get out and about.
“The current rules just don’t reflect what these volunteer groups do every day.
“I’m pleased the Government has agreed to look again at the guidance.
“A clearer and fairer system would make a real difference to the people who rely on community transport.”
The Harborough Community Bus is a volunteer-run charity which provides minibuses for community groups and individuals in need.
Current examples of transport provided by the bus include residents’ groups to pubs for lunch once a month, church groups to a weekly social event for tea and cards, youth organisations to regular events, a disabled group to a weekly club night and day trips to local towns or garden centres.