Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet has approved a new model for the Disabled Persons Parking Bay Scheme, following an independent review and extensive public consultation held between July 14 to September 8, 2025.
The scheme, which provides designated on-street parking bays for eligible disabled residents, was suspended in 2023 to allow for a full review.
The revised scheme – agreed by Cabinet on Wednesday, October 22 – introduces a clearer, more transparent application process and updated eligibility criteria. It also increases the number of annual bays available from 12 to 15, rising to 20 for the first year due to being suspended for over 2 years during the independent review. This increase is a direct response to public feedback, which highlighted that the previous allocation was not sufficient to meet local need.
The changes were shaped by an independent review, which was carried out by Practice Solutions and is available in Appendix 1 of the Cabinet report. It recommended a number of improvements to ensure the scheme is fair, accessible, and sustainable – and also recognised the value of the scheme in supporting the Council’s public sector equality duty under the Equality Act 2010, despite being a discretionary service.
The new model includes:
- A clear and transparent application process, with applications to be submitted online or in-person via One4aLL Centres (telephone applications will no longer be accepted).
- Robust eligibility criteria, including the requirement for a valid Blue Badge, receipt of specific benefits, medical evidence from a relevant health professional, and a car registered at the applicant’s address with no access to off-road parking.
- Annual reconfirmation of eligibility to ensure bays remain in use by those who need them.
- Removal of the £10 application fee. However, applicants will now be responsible for the cost of obtaining the required medical evidence.
While the new model does not include an appeals process due to resource constraints, applicants will receive detailed feedback if their application is unsuccessful. The Council has committed to reviewing the scheme after 12 months of operation to assess its impact and consider any further refinements.
The public consultation received 212 responses, with strong support for many of the proposed changes:
- 67% of respondents disagreed with maintaining the previous 12-bay limit.
- 74% supported the introduction of annual reconfirmation of eligibility.
- 97% supported providing detailed feedback to unsuccessful applicants.
The estimated cost of each parking bay to the Council is approximately £3,566, which includes installation, signage, and associated traffic management. Since the scheme’s introduction, 269 disabled parking bays have been installed, with 115 subsequently removed, leaving around 154 in place. The Council will continue to manage the scheme within existing budgets, including the removal of bays that are no longer required.
Councillor Gareth Caple, Cabinet Member for Social Care, said: “The revised scheme will greatly enhance the lives of those who need it most, and I’d like to thank the input from the public in our recent consultation. We’ve listened to the concerns raised by residents and have taken meaningful steps to improve the application process, increase the number of bays available, and ensure the scheme is fair and transparent.
“I am confident that the changes agreed by Cabinet strike the right balance between meeting local need and ensuring the scheme is sustainable for the future. We remain committed to supporting residents with disabilities to live independently and with dignity, and this scheme plays an important role in achieving that.”
The scheme will reopen for applications in March 2026, following promotion of the new model from January to ensure that residents have time to prepare and understand the new requirements. The Council will continue to monitor the scheme closely and encourages residents to familiarise themselves with the new process ahead of the application window opening.
For more information about the Disabled Parking Bay Scheme, please visit: Parking bays for disabled people | Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council
Posted on 05/11/2025