CP1301-16 Independent Mobility Assessments (IMA) & Appeals for Blue Badge Applications

The Blue Badge scheme is a national initiative that provides people with severe and permanent mobility issues with a range of parking concessions. This can be via being awarded to an individual or to organisations that care for people with mobility issues who don’t have a Blue Badge in their own right for legitimate reasons.

DCC administers the new and renewal applications and issue of Blue Badges for residents of Devon. The scheme is national and is governed by guidance issued by the DfT.

The Department for Transport (DfT) Local Authority guidance implemented from January 2012 brought in a requirement that applicants who do not qualify automatically for a Blue Badge could be subject to an Independent Mobility Assessment carried out by a medical professional with expertise in mobility (e.g. an occupational therapist or physiotherapist) who is independent of the applicant and their treatment or care. Further details within section 5. Additional information: The contract is to assist DCC to accurately and efficiently determine eligibility for Blue Badges for applicants who require further assessment by providing a face to face and desk based Independent Mobility Assessment service.