Agenda and minutes

Consideration was given to the minutes of the previous meeting held on 7^th November, 2011.

Resolved:-  That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 7^th November, 2011, be approved as a correct record.

The following item is likely to be considered in the absence of the press and public as being exempt under Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended March 2006) (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any person (including the Council))

Resolved:-  That, under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended March 2006) (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any person (including the Council).

The Business Principal Finance Officer presented a report on the national changes to the Blue Badge Scheme together with revised charging options.

The changes were in connection with the administration process, security, design of the Blue Badge, extended eligibility and an increase in the cost to local authorities for the provision of the badges and associated documentation.

The Scheme was a Central Government controlled concessionary parking scheme overseen by the Department for Transport (DfT).  The DfT controlled the relevant Legislation issue operational guidance covering the administration of the Scheme and the enforcement of misuse.  The Council administered the Scheme on their behalf for the administrative area.  Rotherham would retain all the current functionality of the assessment process and retain full ownership of the data.

The changes would standardise the process by bringing all issuing authorities into line by:-

-        a centralised on-line application form through the DirectGov website, however, there would still be the option of applying by post or in person through the Council

-        creation of a public national helpline for general enquiries

-        centralised database of all Blue Badge issues

-        centralisation of the printing and construction of the Badge

-        improve security embedded in the new design

-        extend eligibility to more disabled children under the age of 3 years

Discussion ensued on the proposed increase and the level of Council subsidy.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the report be noted.

(2)  That the charge for a Blue Badge, valid for 3 years, be increased to £8.50 as from 1^st January, 2012.

(3)  That the charge be included in the annual review of fees and charges as part of the budget setting process.

(Councillors Doyle, Jack, P. Russell and Walker declared a personal interest in the above item)