(2) for what reasons people with inflammatory bowel disease are not eligible for the Blue Badge parking scheme; and if she will extend eligibility for the scheme to such people.
The Blue Badge Disabled Parking Scheme is primarily designed to assist people with severe difficulty in walking. People with specific conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease, are therefore not eligible for a badge unless their walking is very seriously affected.
The Department for Transport (DFT) is currently conducting a strategic review of the Blue Badge Scheme, which will consider whether the scheme should be extended to other disability groups.
The strategic review will report to DFT Ministers in September 2007. A subsequent announcement will follow prior to the publication of a comprehensive Blue Badge reform strategy by April 2008.