AQW 4266/16-21

Ms Kellie Armstrong
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 29/09/2016
Answered On Date: 24/10/2016
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) to outline the process for renewing or applying for a new Blue Badge with the Department for Transport's Blue Badge Improvement Service; and (ii) whether a paper application option still be available for those who are unable to engage with the online process.

Answer:

Currently, existing badge holders are issued with reminders four to six weeks before their badges are due to expire. People can renew or apply for a Blue Badge by:

Connecting to the NI Direct website and apply using the newly launched online facility.

Connecting to the NI Direct website to download and print out an application form.

Phoning NI Direct to request an application form which will be sent to the requestor.

Writing or emailing the Blue Badge Unit in Enniskillen to request an application form which will be forwarded to them.

The application process will not change when the system transfers to the Department for Transport's Blue Badge Improvement Service.

The paper application option will remain available for those who are unable to engage with the online process.