Chairman's announcements
Minutes:
(a) Blue Badges
The Leader referred to Cabinet’s agreement at its meeting on 11 February 2010 to make representations to the Government on the restrictions placed on local authorities in the way they issued Blue Badges. At that meeting, Cllr Thomson in updating Cabinet on the recently held Dementia Conference, highlighted the need to lobby the Government on this issue. Changes to the law were sought to ensure that sufferers of mental illnesses and those they relied on for transport, carers of children with disabilities and those with severe autism and Link drivers should be given the same consideration as those with physical illnesses.
The Leader explained that Cllr Thomson had sent a letter to this effect to the Minister for Transport copied to the local MP’s and that Councillors would be kept informed of developments.
(b) Graham Hogg – Service Director, Housing
The Leader advised that Graham Hogg had been involved in an accident resulting in him coming off his motorbike. Although serious, his condition was not considered critical and he was currently receiving treatment at the Royal United Hospital, Bath. The Leader would on Cabinet’s behalf be writing to Graham to wish him a speedy recovery.