News

Forcing disabled people to reapply for blue badges ‘defies logic’

Published

6 months ago

October 23, 2025

SENEDD Members called for lifelong blue badges for people with permanent conditions, labelling the current renewal system as unfair, stressful and potentially discriminatory.

Carolyn Thomas, the Labour Senedd Member for North Wales, expressed concerns about people being forced to re-prove their disability every three years to keep their parking permit.

She said: “I want to highlight that requiring disabled people to reapply every three years is inefficient and unfair, often causing unnecessary stress for applicants and their carers.”

Ms Thomas warned asking people to repeatedly prove their disability could be seen as indirect discrimination and a failure to make reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act.

During today’s (October 22) social justice questions in the Senedd, she raised a survey which highlighted significant concerns around fairness, dignity and social justice.

Mark Isherwood, who also represents North Wales, warned of an “inconsistent” top-down council interpretation of Welsh Government guidance leading to disabled applicants being denied a new or renewed blue badge.

The Conservative told the Senedd: “The Welsh Government’s continued refusal to deliver a life award for those with lifelong non-improving conditions defies logic and challenges the Welsh Government’s claim to champion the social model of disability.”

Mr Isherwood, who has campaigned on disability rights for decades, also pointed to the survey by Stronger Together for Additional Needs and Disabilities (STAND) North Wales.

He said STAND North Wales recommended a life award to better serve disabled individuals and carers as well as fulfil the Welsh Government’s legal and moral responsibilities.

He quoted the community interest company as saying the current system creates barriers rather than removes them, contradicting the goals of disability rights legislation.

Jane Hutt, Wales’ social justice secretary, said the Welsh Government is committed to ensuring the process of obtaining a blue badge is as fair and efficient as possible.

Ms Hutt told the Senedd that disabled people who permanently meet the eligibility criteria can be awarded a badge on a not-for-reassessment basis.

Jane Hutt, secretary for social justice, trefnydd and chief whip

She explained: “This means that when they are reapplying after three years they will not need to provide any additional evidence from health care professionals to support their application; the only evidence needed is proof of identity, residency and a photograph.

“We regard these as reasonable and proportionate requirements to protect the integrity and robustness of the blue badge scheme but also to ensure disabled people are able to access the blue badge scheme without too much bureaucracy standing in the way.”

Ms Hutt confirmed an expert group has been set up to explore cutting down the burden facing people “with a real need for the accessible parking that the blue badge can bring”.

Crime

Crymych parent denies failing to comply with school attendance order

Published

3 minutes ago

May 1, 2026

Court Reporter

A CRYMYCH parent has denied failing to comply with a school attendance order, a court has heard.

The defendant appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged under the Education Act 1996.

The court heard that the defendant is accused of failing, as a parent, to ensure that a child attended school in accordance with the requirements of a School Attendance Order.

It is alleged that after being served with the order, the defendant did not comply within the required 15-day period.

A plea of not guilty was entered.

Magistrates adjourned the case for a case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, May 14.

A reporting restriction remains in force.

Crime

Cockle fisherman fined £3,450 for multiple breaches at protected site

Published

5 minutes ago

May 1, 2026

Court Reporter

A GOODWICK man has been ordered to pay £3,450 after breaching fishing regulations at a protected cockle fishery.

Richard William Edwards, 45, of Goodwick, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged with a series of offences at the Burry Inlet cockle fishery.

The court heard that Edwards had fished for cockles without a valid permit and breached conditions imposed under fisheries management rules. He was also found to have used an unauthorised vehicle in the fishery area, contrary to restrictions in place to protect the site.

Magistrates were told the offences took place on September 9, 2025, within the Burry Inlet Cockle Fishery, a designated and regulated area subject to strict controls.

Edwards was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay a victim services surcharge of £800, along with costs of £650, bringing the total to £3,450. A collection order was made.

The case was brought under fisheries legislation including the Cockle Fisheries Management and Permitting (Specified Area) (Wales) Order 2024.

The court heard that Edwards had been in breach of a prohibition imposed by the permitting system and had failed to comply with the terms of his permit.

The offences are part of ongoing enforcement efforts to protect the sustainability of cockle stocks and ensure compliance within the fishery.

Crime

Hakin woman handed five-year behaviour order over household waste

Published

11 minutes ago

May 1, 2026

Court Reporter

A HAKIN woman has been made subject to a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order after repeated problems involving household waste outside her home.

Marie James, 47, of John Lewis Street, Hakin, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates after being convicted of offences linked to accumulated rubbish at her address.

The court heard that James had failed to remove all refuse and household waste from 36 John Lewis Street, Hakin, in Milford Haven.

Magistrates imposed a Criminal Behaviour Order which will remain in force for five years.

Under the terms of the order, James must not engage in conduct causing alarm or distress to others within the perimeter of her address in Hakin. She is also prohibited from keeping, storing or accumulating household waste at the property.

The order further prevents her from keeping or storing household waste at an associated address in Milford Haven.

No order for costs was made due to limited means.

James was represented in court by Steve Wrobe