Blue Badge Production, Distribution & Innovation

The Blue Badge scheme supports people with visible and non-visible disabilities by enabling parking close to their destination. The scheme is administered by local authorities under the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970, with policy oversight from the Department for Transport (DfT). The Blue Badge Digital Service (BBDS), launched in 2019, significantly improved the application process, increasing digital uptake to around 80% and delivering annual efficiency savings of over £3 million for local authorities, while strengthening protections against fraud and misuse. DfT has let and manages the contract for BBDS and specifies security, data protection and technical standards, acting as a joint controller only in respect of data processed through the GOV.UK service. Local authorities remain individual controllers for Blue Badge data and are responsible for compliance with data protection legislation. BBDS is currently supported by separate suppliers for digital application and badge management, and for badge printing and dispatch, serving over 200 local authorities and other public-sector stakeholders across the UK. This requirement is for a supplier to deliver high-quality Blue Badge print production, secure distribution, and ongoing service innovation. Services include the production of badges and associated materials in line with national policy and security specifications, end-to-end distribution using multiple delivery options, and support services for local authorities and government stakeholders. The supplier will work collaboratively with DfT and scheme partners to maintain service standards, accommodate future expansion, and develop enhancements throughout the life of the contract.