asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have completed their consultation on the revised guidance to be given to local authorities on the operation of the blue badge (disabled parking) scheme; and [HL1377]

Whether they intend to publish updated guidance to local authorities on the operation of the blue badge (disabled parking) scheme; and, if so, when; and [HL1378]

Whether they intend to publish an updated edition of the explanatory booklet on the operation of the blue badge (disabled parking) scheme; and, if so, when; and [HL1379]

Whether they have considered extending the blue badge (disabled parking) scheme to provide parking benefits for a limited period to those who are temporarily but seriously disabled. [HL1380]

Following a review of the blue badge scheme, the Department for Transport has accepted a recommendation made by the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC), the department's statutory advisers on the transport needs of disabled people, that the scheme should be extended to people with temporary mobility impairments which severely affect their walking ability and are likely to do so for at least 12 months.

This change requires amendment regulations which we are currently finalising, along with new guidance to local authorities and a revised explanatory leaflet on the scheme. We intend consulting on this regulatory package shortly and implementing/issuing them as soon as possible thereafter.