Hillingdon Council has initiated a Blue Badge amnesty to address the issue of disabled parking permit fraud. The amnesty, running from November 18 to December 2, allows residents to surrender any Blue Badges they are not entitled to without facing any inquiries.
The council issues over 14,000 Blue Badges to residents, which are crucial for individuals with disabilities or severe health conditions that affect their mobility. To facilitate the return of invalid badges, collection boxes have been placed in the reception areas of the Civic Centre in Uxbridge, Botwell Green Library in Hayes, and Northwood Hills Library.
In addition to the Blue Badge amnesty, the council is using Fraud Awareness Week (November 17-23) to educate the public about common types of fraud, its efforts to combat them, and how residents can help by reporting any fraudulent activities. The council’s counter fraud team has managed to prevent over £5.8 million in losses this financial year.
Cllr Martin Goddard, Cabinet Member for Finance and Transformation, emphasised the importance of Blue Badges for individuals with disabilities and health conditions, allowing them to park closer to their destinations. He expressed concern over the abuse of these badges, which undermines the privileges and designated parking spaces meant for those in genuine need.
The council has taken legal action against 11 individuals for Blue Badge fraud in the past year, resulting in fines for each offender. The amnesty provides an opportunity for those misusing Blue Badges to return them without facing any repercussions.
If you suspect any fraudulent activity related to the council, you can report it confidentially on the council’s website at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/reportfraud or by calling 0800 389 8313. It is essential for the community to work together to combat fraud and ensure that resources are used appropriately to support those in genuine need.
