Essex County Council Early Market Engagement - Independent Mobility Assessments

Overview

1. Overview

The Blue Badge scheme in England provides parking concessions for individuals with disabilities, enabling them to park closer to their destinations and improve their quality of life.

Essex County Council is seeking to reprocure a Contractor to conduct independent mobility assessments to determine Blue Badge eligibility.  As per the Department for Transport's Guidance, a Local Authority should obtain certification from an appropriate expert assessor if they are unable to make a clear and robust decision on eligibility using cross checking or desk-based assessment. This ensures that badges are issued fairly and consistently to individuals who meet the eligibility criteria, thereby enhancing accessibility and mobility for those with disabilities.

2. Purpose of this Market Engagement

Essex County Council is conducting a preliminary market engagement exercise to assess interest and provide awareness of the upcoming procurement and invites interested parties to complete a questionnaire in order to help shape and define the requirements for this opportunity going forward.

3. Scope

This requirement relates specifically to the assessment of applicants with physical walking disabilities only.

The assessments are expected to be carried out face to face by suitably qualified physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists.

The Provider would be required to conduct an appropriate method of assessment and provide a detailed report including a summary, and recommendation as to whether a Blue Badge should be issued.

Essex County Council currently refer approximately 500 assessments per month.

Completion of this survey will not bestow an advantage or disadvantage on any provider when the competitive tender process commences.