Provision of independent mobility assessment service for blue badge applications

The aim of the Blue Badge Scheme is to help disabled people with severe mobility or cognitive (visible or non-visible (hidden) disabilities to access goods and services, by allowing them to park close to their destination. The scheme is open to eligible people with a disability irrespective of whether they are travelling as a driver or as a passenger. The scheme provides a national range of on-street parking concessions to Blue Badge holders. It allows them to park without charge or time limit in otherwise restricted on-street parking environments, and allows them to park on yellow lines for up to 3 hours, unless a loading ban is in place. Local authorities are responsible for the day-to-day administration and enforcement of the scheme. They are responsible for determining and implementing administrative, assessment and enforcement procedures which they believe are in accordance with the governing legislation. Southend Borough Council (SBC) have an independent mobility assessment contract in place until the end of February 2022 with the aim of providing robust, quality outcomes for citizens and now wish to tender for a 3-year contract starting from 1st March 2022 with two options to extend for a further 12 months.