Blue Badge Code of Practice for Local Authorities: FOI release

Information requested

1. A copy of the latest version of the Blue Badge Code of Practice for Local Authorities, which we understand was created in 2022.

2. Any correspondence relating to the decision not to make the 2022 Code of Practice available online

3. Any documents and correspondence relating to the evaluation of how the Code of Practice is being used and implemented by local authorities.

4. Any correspondence relating to plans to revise the existing Code of Practice.

Response

Questions 1 and 2:

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide a copy of the Scottish Blue Badge Code of Practice because an exemption under section 30(c) (the effective conduct of public affairs) of FOISA applies. That exemption applies as the document is specifically designed for use by local authorities and regulated healthcare professionals when assessing applicants and is not published as there is a sensitivity around the guidance being misused for fraudulent purposes. As a result of this, there is likewise no correspondence relating to the decision not to make the 2022 Code of Practice available online as there has never been an intention to publish it. This is a formal notice under section 17(1) of FOISA that the Scottish Government does not have the information you have requested.

Question 3:

With regards to the evaluation of how the Code of Practice is being used and implemented by local authorities, this guidance document is not something that is routinely evaluated by Scottish Government. This is a formal notice under section 17(1) of FOISA that the Scottish Government does not have the information you have requested.

Question 4:

Transport Scotland seek to update this non-statutory guidance every two years to share good practice and provide clear and consistent advice on administering and enforcing the scheme. As officials completed an extensive review of the Code of Practice in 2022, a light-touch update is planned for 2024/25. Relevant correspondence regarding this question is contained within the attached annex.

However, an exemption under section 38(1)(b) of FOISA (personal information) applies to some of the information requested because it is personal data of a third party, i.e. names, contact details etc, as disclosing it would contravene the data protection principles in Article 5(1) of the General Data Protection Regulation and in section 34(1) of the Data Protection Act 2018. Please note that the redacted text (in black) within this correspondence indicates the removal of identifiable third-party data.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at https://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.

FOI 202400436488 - Information released - Annex

File type

PDF

File size

1.7 MB