Kingston Council's Corporate and Resources Committee has approved the outsourcing of the Blue Badge appeals process, a move intended to streamline the system and make it more efficient for residents.
The decision, made at a meeting on Thursday, June 25, 2026, will see the current Member-led Blue Badge Appeals Panel process de-established from July 15, 2026. This change is subject to final approval by the Full Council and necessary constitutional amendments.
Councillor Anita Schaper, Portfolio Holder for Communities, Commissioning, Customer Contact and Governance, stated that the change would streamline the process, making it more equitable and efficient for residents, and align Kingston with best practice across other local authorities.
The current two-stage appeals process, which includes a Member-led panel, has been described as unsustainable due to operational and administrative pressures. These pressures stem from the fact that Member-led appeal arrangements currently in place extend end-to-end resident resolution timescales, as capacity is finite and reviews operate periodically throughout the year. Delays in review outcomes can create prolonged uncertainty for residents.
Furthermore, the current arrangements creat[e] significant operational and administrative pressures, requiring additional officer oversight and resources to support the current process.
Maintaining the current two-stage Member panel is described as unsustainable on the current budget and would require a budget growth request of £71,000.
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Instead, the council will transition to an outsourced, single-stage review model. This approach is expected to deliver an efficiency saving of approximately £28,000 per annum, which has already been factored into the Council's Medium-Term Financial Strategy.
Residents will benefit from a more streamlined, transparent, and equitable Blue Badge review process that aligns with national guidance and sector best practice. The revised arrangements aim to improve the timeliness of outcomes, reduce delays, and ensure greater consistency in decision-making. The proposed changes aim to ensure that the review process is aligned with statutory guidance and best practice
and that decisions are evidence-based, fair and accessible for residents, including those with hidden disabilities and complex needs.
The de-establishment of the current Member-led Blue Badge Appeals Panel process is approved, with implementation from 15 July 2026. The new outsourced model is aimed to be in full operation from Autumn 2026. 2
Authority has been delegated to the Executive Director of Residents and Communities to oversee the implementation of the revised outsourced arrangements for the concessionary travel service. This includes the development and implementation of an updated review and assurance process. To ensure the outsourced provider adheres to national guidance and sector best practice, the Council will implement robust key performance metrics, quality assurance frameworks, and regular reporting
to ensure consistency, compliance with guidance, and effective delivery. The DAWN (Disability & Wellbeing) Network will be engaged to support the refinement of the service specification, ensuring lived experience and internal expertise drive the selection and quality assurance of the outsourced provider.
While the proposal is to implement a revised single stage review process for Blue Badge appeals,
residents will retain the right to escalate complaints to the Local Government Ombudsman in cases of maladministration.
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