In March Kevin, Pam, Helen, and Lindsey met up to discuss what we want in this Carers Rep Report. (Jude sent apologies.)
Blue Badge – Carers are concerned about the criteria for their cared for person to get a Blue Badge – even if the person is on a higher level of mobility for PIP they are not always meet the local criteria for a Blue Badge. Carers are asking if it is possible for Torbay Council to use the discretionary part of the Criteria in a different way?
We are looking at having an email address for carers to be able to link directly to the LDP Reps – Jude looking into this for us.
Torbay Taxi licences consultation (26 February to 19 May) – carers are generally highlighting that there are not many wheelchair accessible taxis so LDPB Carers Reps are letting people know about the Torbay Taxi licences consultation. (Since our meeting Pam has highlighted that there appear to be only 2 taxi companies that offer wheel chair taxis, and has highlighted the cost of this: an example where there is a minimum of £20, and a journey from Babbacombe to Hyde road in Paignton costs £50 in total as a round trip). In addition to the lack of wheelchair accessible taxis, there is a problem with the availability of taxis to transport some service users to and from Day Services. Because Day Services operating times clash with school times, most taxi firms are already committed/collage runs and do not have the spare capacity to fully cover the needs of attendees to Day Services. This can then be difficult for the Carers who, in those circumstances, may need to provide the transport therefore.
Car parks – generally in Torbay it seems that maximum length of parking time is up to 5 hours and then becomes up to 24 hours. Is it possible for maximum length of parking to increase to say 7 hours since this feels a more realistic time for many carers.
Kevin highlighted the meeting with StageCoach Director, that he attended with the LDPB Reps. This felt like a very constructive meeting. Asked about Carers having a reduced fair on the bus if they are going with their cared for person – told that this would be authorised by Torbay Council, not by Stagecoach.
We have organised a ‘Meet the LDPB Carers Reps’ morning for Carer’s Week at Paignton Carers Centre; it will be on Tuesday 11 June, from 11 am to 1 pm.