The Department of Social Care has reviewed the administration of the Blue Badge Scheme (for disabled parking) and the Disabled Persons Bus Pass Scheme to make the schemes simpler and faster for users while reducing administration costs. After listening to the views of our stakeholders we will be introducing a streamlined administration process from 1st August 2011. From this date, applicants will no longer have to visit their GP to complete the assessment criteria. Instead they will be asked to provide proof of receipt of Social Security benefits related to disability. As a result, the process will be quicker and will remain free of charge to the applicant. For the Department and the GP, much administration will be removed and so unnecessary costs avoided. In the case of carer passes for the Disabled Bus Pass Scheme, the Duty Social Work Team in the Department will make the relevant assessments. The Department’s Political Member for Social Services Mr Bill Malarkey MHK stated: “This is a positive example of the Department adopting a more joined up and cohesive approach to meeting the needs of our community. It will provide a simpler, faster service free of charge to the service users while saving the taxpayer around ?45,000 a year in administration costs.” If a member of the public wishes to know more about either scheme then he/she should contact one of the Department’s two relevant officers: Roger Ingrey on phone number 686325 or Helen Prescott on phone number 685198. - ENDS -