At the Environment & Community Services PDS Committee on 20th November, plans were announced requiring Blue Badge holders to pay to park in Bromley car parks.
The committee report suggested this may generate an annual income to the Council of £50k but actually officers have no way of measuring whether or not this will be achieved.
We have drawn attention to the fact that there has been no prior consultation with affected residents, nor has an Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) been undertaken and submitted as part of the decision making process.
While accepting that the Council needs to raise more funds, we do not think this is an appropriate means to do so given its focus on some of the most vulnerable residents in our Borough.
For example:
- A Blue Badge is often a lifeline for disabled residents as it enables them to leave their homes to access vital services and social engagements.
- Holders don’t have the option of using public transport or walking, as able bodied residents would, because of their disability.
- Financially, due to their disability, holders may also be on lower incomes so will be disproportionately penalised.
- We do not see how this proposal squares with the Council’s focus on tackling loneliness.
Since the meeting, we have been working to ensure the voices of residents are still heard on this very important matter.
Fortunately, it seems our loud plea for an EIA has been heard as we have now had it confirmed that an EIA will, after all, be completed. This will be presented to a future Environment Committee meeting so Members can consider it before the final decision is heard.
So, we now need your comments in order that the EIA will reflect how this proposed charge will affect you
Whilst we have seen threads on Next Door and other social media, those comments won’t necessarily be seen by councillors or by officers.
So please can we urge you to email us as your councillors (or your own councillors if you live outside Chislehurst Ward) and copy in Environment Committee Members? We will pass on your comments to the officers compiling the EIA.
Cllr Mike Jack
Cllr Mark Smith
Cllr Alison Stammers
