News reports located on this page = 3.

People with hidden disabilities can access Blue Badges for the 1st time

AN extension to Blue Badge scheme has come into Force in England for people who have non visible disabilities, making travel easier, along with a new online eligibility check that has also been launched, to make it simpler for people applying for the badges. This change marks the biggest change to the scheme in nearly 50 years. People with hidden disabilities, including:- anxiety disorders or a brain injury, since the 30 August 2019, they apply for a Blue Badge for the 1st time. Along with the new online service, The Department for Transport has also issued new guidance to Councils within England on Blue Badge parking permit eligibility, to make in an attempt to make the scheme clearer for people before they apply. In the biggest change to Blue Badges since the 1970's, the DfT has been working with specialists to expand the eligibility criteria for the badges, which now includes people who cannot walk as part of a journey without considerable psychological distress or the risk of serious harm.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said:- "We know that for some people, the possibility of not being able to find a parking space can make even leaving the house a challenge, which is why the Blue Badge is so important. The scheme, which is already a lifeline for so many disabled people, will make a huge difference to those with non visible conditions such as autism, dementia, Parkinson's and arthritis. It is my sincere wish that these changes will improve even more people's lives."

The Government's ambitious Inclusive Transport Strategy, changes to the Blue Badge scheme and the Access for All programme will continue the UK's internationally leading plans for fully accessible transport. The Blue Badge scheme already means people with physical disabilities can park closer to their destination than other drivers, as they are less able to take public transport or walk longer distances. Plans to extend the scheme to those with non visible conditions were announced in the early summer of 2019, following an 8 week consultation. It is an important part of the Government's drive for greater parity between physical and mental health. It will offer a lifeline to people who often find road travel difficult by providing better access to work and other amenities, while also helping combat loneliness by helping them stay connected to family and friends.

Minister for Disabled People Justin Tomlinson said:- "This is a pivotal moment for thousands of people with hidden disabilities across the country, many of whom face unacceptable discrimination or even abuse when using disabled parking spaces. The changes we''e making will be life changing for these disabled people, allowing them to go about their daily lives without experiencing unnecessary stress or worry."

To help Councils with the expected increase in applications, the department has agreed with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to provide ₤1.7 million in the 1st year of the programme. The expanded scheme coincides with the launch of a review intended to improve enforcement, and help Councils tackle fraudulent use of the badges. At the end of 2018, the Local Government Association estimated that the theft of Blue Badges had risen by 45 per cent in 12 months and was up 6 fold since 2013. The review will look at ensuring Blue Badges are used correctly and improving public understanding so that those with non-visible disabilities can use the badges with confidence. A task group will also be set up with key organisations to gather ideas and evidence on how to improve the consistency of Council enforcement to tackle fraud and misuse.

Tim Nicholls Head of Policy and Public Affairs at the National Autistic Society said:- "We are delighted to see the new Blue Badge rules come into Force. This will be a huge relief for thousands of autistic people and their families in England, many of whom are so anxious about things going wrong that they find it hard to leave the house at all. A Blue Badge can be life changing. To live up to this promise, it's absolutely essential that Council officials making decisions about Blue Badges understand autism and the challenges autistic people can face getting out and about."

While the new criteria will give clear and consistent guidelines on Blue Badge eligibility for the whole of England, not everyone with non-visible disabilities will qualify for a badge. It will be up to the relevant Local Authority to decide if an applicant meets the eligibility criteria, as is currently the case. Councils may need to review parking provision to increase the number of spaces, both in terms of the availability of disabled parking, and the overall number of parking spaces if disabled spaces take up other existing parking spaces. In 2018, the Government set out its plans to improve accessibility across all modes of transport in the Inclusive Transport Strategy, which aims to make the UK's transport ne2rk fully inclusive by 2030.

Merchant Navy Day is to be marked in Liverpool this Sunday

LIVERPOOL will be marking Merchant Navy Day, on Sunday, 1 September 2019, with a special service and wreath laying.  The day is the annual celebration of the British Merchant Navy, to celebrate and raise awareness of past, present and future Merchant Navy seafarers, as well as remembering the 36,000 who died at sea during World War 2. A public service; which includes the reading of a letter to the seafarers of Liverpool from Her Majesty The Queen and an address from the Most Reverend Michael Fitzgerald, former Papal Nuncio to Egypt;- is taking place at Liverpool Parish Church in the City Centre. In attendance will be civic dignitaries from across the City Region, along with current and retired seafarers, as well as others who represent the work of the Merchant Navy. It starts at noon and will be followed by a march to the Pier Head where wreathes will be laid. In addition, at 2.15pm, Lord Mayor elect, Councillor Anna Rothery will place a wreath at the memorial on Falkner Street dedicated to black and Commonwealth sailors who served in World War 2. The service has received sponsorship from the ACL (Atlantic Container Line), with refreshments afterwards provided by NML (National Museums Liverpool).

Lord Mayor elect, Councillor Anna Rothery, said:- "I am honoured to be representing the City as we remember the sacrifices made by seafarers who fought for our freedom. Liverpool played a huge role in the Battle of the Atlantic during the 2nd world war, and sadly many hundreds of our sailors lost their lives. It is important that we never forget the sacrifices they made in keeping the country supplied with essentials delivered by the Atlantic convoys, and the event is a time for reflection."

The Rector of Liverpool, the Reverend Canon Dr Crispin Pailing, who will lead the service, said:- "Liverpool is 1 of the busiest ports in the country, and Liverpool's celebration of Merchant Navy Day reminds us not just of the tremendous service of seafarers in the past, but also that today men and women serve the nation - often in dangerous conditions. When seafarers arrive in Liverpool, either coming home, or docking for just a few hours, they know that they are welcome."

Homeless Tax 'amendment'  is "shameless smokescreen"

THE Liberal Democrats have described Manchester Council's watering down of the Homeless Tax as a 'shameless smokescreen.'  The immensely unpopular proposals aimed at cracking down on:- 'aggressive begging' and rough sleepers pitching tents or sleeping in doorways in the City Centre included hitting rough sleepers with on the spot fines of ₤100, rising to ₤1,000 in court if unpaid.  Manchester Liberal Democrat Leader John Leech's scathing open letter to the Council attracted more than 7,000 signatures. On a visit to meet Big Issue North sellers in Manchester, then leader of the Liberal Democrats, Vince Cable, described the Homeless Tax as:- "1 of the most unforgivable misuses of power in local Government history," whilst his successor Jo Swinson slammed it as:- "barely believable." Campaigners, lawyers and human rights campaigners were equally offended, dubbing it:- "utterly cruel," "something from the Victorian era" and a "clear breach of human rights." The Labour run Council has announced it is planning a watered down version of the immensely unpopular proposals, but the Lib Dems have said it changes very little.

Liberal Democrat Leader John Leech said:- "I am immensely proud of all the Lib Dems across Manchester, and beyond, who have joined our campaign against the Homeless Tax, but I have to make this very clear; our campaign is not over, this fight is not over. This watered down Homeless Tax is a shameless smokescreen and it's really important people understand what is happening. Labour already have the power to tackle 'aggressive begging', public urinating and anti-social behaviour; none of this needed to be implemented within the Homeless Tax in the 1st place. Labour are using these issues as a way to still implement fining rough sleepers for taking shelter in tents or on doorsteps for warmth. All this 'amendment' has done, is help Labour Councillors, who have sat on their hands for months, sleep a little better at night. This remains a cruel and inhumane attempt to clean up Manchester's streets and the Liberal Democrats will not rest until it is completely scrapped."

John Bridges, Liberal Democrat City Centre Spokesperson added:- "We will continue to rigorously scrutinise these proposals to ensure they do not just move the problem elsewhere. The Council's focus should be on providing all the necessary support services, not sanctioning the most vulnerable people in our City. We will wait to examine the details of these proposed changes; though I fear that this is simply Labour spin to cover up their nasty Homeless Tax."