Temporary Blue Badges a Step Closer
By Cllr Simon Sansome
Originally published by East Midlands Liberal Democrats
Cllr Simon Sansome - Parliamentary Candidate for Charnwood came a step closer at East Midlands Spring Conference to getting temporary blue badges implemented
The Liberal Democrats East Midlands Conference, gathering in Ashfield over the weekend, recorded its unanimous support for urgent investigations into the possible introduction of a Temporary Blue Badge Scheme. Delegates from across the East Midlands listened as Cllr Simon Sansome PPC Charnwood spoke from the heart, outlining to Conference details of his current personal circumstances which have resulted in him, at this moment in time, being wheelchair dependent. He explained how the difficulties he now experiences with mobility and the reliance on his wife has highlighted a problem that must exist for thousands of people across the country.
Cllr Sansome spoke at the East Midland Regional Conference and proposed the motion to introduce temporary blue badges after he suffered a serious back injury.
Cllr Sansome described how after speaking to health professionals while in hospital, he wanted to explain how patients, carers and thousands of people across the United Kingdom could benefit from a temporary blue badge when they have a temporary illness or disability.
The motion before the delegates and the plea for support was strengthened as the Regional Chairman, Cllr Phil Knowles, who leads the Lib Dems on Harborough District Council, seconded the motion telling members that he too had taken up just this issue on behalf of a resident from Harborough.
'' We believe that the responsibility will rest with local Councils to look to introduce a temporary scheme but we also believe that National Government will also have a responsibility to put pressure on the local councils to seek out the easiest and most effective way forward''
Cllr Sansome's motion received massive applause and a unanimous vote in favour for temporary blue badges to be introduced across local councils.
The next stage is to present the motion at national conference where members of the Liberal Democrats will vote on the motion to become a manifesto policy.
Simon said he was overjoyed with the reaction from the conference and anyone who spoke, spoke in favour as they could all see the benefits of having temporary blue badges.