A new online way to apply for a Blue Badge has really clicked with people, saving them time and the local taxpayer potentially around £80,000 per year.

The new web application form simplifies how people can apply for or renew a Blue Badge. A Blue Badge is available to those who are disabled or have a health condition that affects mobility.

By using this self-service approach applicants are more likely to receive their blue badges more quickly than when applying over the phone.

This improvement forms part of Cambridgeshire County Council’s Digital First approach, which aims to put as many services as possible online to make access easier and cut costs.

Since the new online Blue Badge process was launched in October 2016 over 2,000 customers have used it. The percentage of people using more expensive options, such as calling the council’s customer services, to complete an application has almost halved - down from 60 per cent to 37 per cent. This change is forecast to save the council around £80,000 per annum.

To apply or renew a Blue Badge, please visit www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/bluebadges

Dan Jenkins, Operational Performance Manager for Customer Services said: “The new online form really is easy to use, it will save you time, and because it frees up staff time, we can spend our time dealing with those customers who don’t have access to the Internet. We have also reduced the time it take us to send a customer their badge from up to six weeks to an average of fewer than two weeks.”