Former Perthshire councillor hits out after blue badge application rejected

A former Perthshire councillor has hit out after her application for a disabled blue badge was rejected – despite being diagnosed with a lifelong condition.

Fiona Sarwar, who stepped down as an SNP member for the Strathmore ward this year after five years’ service, was diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis – also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) – in August.

Fiona applied for a blue badge to help with daily life, as the condition can cause her to suffer severe pain in her legs and arms, migraines and brain fog.

But Perth and Kinross Council knocked her back – saying applicants must be able to prove they have had a disability for at least a year before getting one.

That was despite the local authority acknowledging in a letter to Fiona that her disability is permanent.

Fiona, from Coupar Angus, told The Courier: “In a way I was not surprised because nothing about getting help has been easy.

“I spoke to others in a Facebook support group and many have said they feel that no one listens, and have asked the council to stop refusing their applications.

“I had to pay £35 to my GP for an evidence letter and now they are saying I cannot appeal the decision without more evidence from my doctor – I can’t afford that.”

Diagnosis came after catching Covid

Fiona – a communications officer – realised something was wrong after testing positive for Covid-19 at the start of the year.

She said: “I noticed my health – which I have struggled with in different ways for a number of years – was not right and, over a period of months, I had several blood tests and doctor appointments.

“The biggest symptom was extreme tiredness that never really went away. Over the summer I had to stop work completely and was diagnosed with ME/CFS.

“It can be hard to find information on what help is available – it is a misunderstood condition.”

Fiona believes more can be done by the council to help people in her position.

She said: “They should work with GPs to reduce the cost of evidence letters, remove the cost of delivery and installing handrails, continue work on widening pavements and ultimately make it easier to acquire a blue badge.

“We just want barriers removed and supports in place to make life a little easier.”

Council ‘following legislation’

A Perth and Kinross Council spokesperson said: “We understand how important blue badges are for many people with mobility issues.

“Local authorities must process applications in line with the legislation and criteria set out by Transport Scotland.

“When an applicant is unhappy with our decision, they can request a review and this will be carried out by an officer not involved in dealing with the initial application.”

A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “It is the responsibility of local authorities to administer the blue badge scheme in their area and for ensuring their decision-making is in line with legislation which governs the scheme.

“We strongly recommend that every applicant who is refused a badge should be given a personalised written explanation from their local authority of the grounds of their refusal, which can be appealed within 28 days of the date of the decision letter.”