Disabled motorists in East Sussex are falling foul of unofficial websites

Residents wanting to find out if they are eligible for a Blue Badge are falling foul of unofficial websites offering to deal with their submissions for a fee.

The websites provide forms which cannot be processed by the county council, the authority responsible for issuing Blue Badges. Any applicants using these forms will have to repeat all the information on an official form.

Cllr Bill Bentley, the county council’s cabinet member for adult social care, said, “While there is nothing illegal in websites offering a paid application service, there is absolutely no advantage to using them. We have seen sites offering this service for an extortionate fee of £49.

“East Sussex County Council provides a totally free application service for those in need of a Blue Badge - the only charge made is the standard fee of £10 if you are deemed eligible. Our team will support and assist residents during the application process.”

Blue Badges are issued to a driver or passenger with a permanent and substantial disability that affects their ability to walk and would benefit from the use of disabled parking bays and a range of on-street parking concessions.

Information on how to apply can be found at www.eastsussex.gov.uk/bluebadge

Residents can also find information at their local library, Age Concern, county council buildings, or if they have a local parking shop. Forms are also available online at www.gov.uk

Anyone having difficulty can call 01323 464244 for assistance. A message can be left when the line is busy and will be responded to as soon as possible. Alternatively email [email protected]

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