CALLS have been made for people with dementia and autism to benefit from the blue badge parking scheme.

Barrie Wild, who has dementia, was left exhausted and upset after discovering that he did not qualify for the disabled parking badge.

Mr Wild, from Dobcross, contacted his MP Debbie Abrahams, who has backed calls for the provision to be extended to those with non-physical conditions.

Mrs Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, said: "I'm backing the idea that people with non-physical conditions, such as dementia and autism, should be eligible for a blue badge to help them with parking.

"As it stands, the process for getting a blue badge can vary across the country as the national criteria is not clear on physical and non-physical conditions."

The blue badge permits disabled drivers and passengers to park closer to their destinations in designated parking bays, at the roadside or in car parks.

Current regulations and guidance for who can apply varies between local authorities, which has prompted Government to hold a public consultation over the issue.

Mr Wild said: "I didn’t qualify for a blue badge at my assessment but if new legislation is passed then maybe I would.

"I don’t think people understand how difficult it is doing everyday tasks such as shopping or going to visit friends which can often lead to headaches and disorientation.

"Having a blue badge would make life so much easier for me and for my wife Val who cares for me."

Mr Wild has poor balance and occasionally falls over, which prompted him to complete an application form with the help of Age UK.

He went for an assessment at the Link Centre in Union Street, Oldham.

Mrs Wild, who attended with him, said: "Barrie was asked to do a walking test and informed that his walking was satisfactory, which we presume meant he was fit enough not to be eligible.

"One thing I’m really concerned about is that the carer is not allowed to have any input during the interview which shows no regard for the person being assessed and no understanding of the condition they have.

"By the time we got home Barrie was exhausted and upset. As Barrie’s carer I should be able to help him deal with the assessment process and help the assessor understand what Barrie’s needs are."

The couple are keen to spread the word about the consultation and encouraged residents to take part.

Mrs Abrahams said: "Creating a blue badge system that is the same across the country should make the assessments easier for people like Barrie with these non-physical conditions and make it easier for councils too.

"I'm appealing for everyone to take part in the blue badge consultation."

The Department for Transport said that only some councils currently recognise hidden disabilities.

Its consultation report reads: "The current rules embrace all conditions, physical or otherwise, but it has become clear to us that the regulations and guidance are not clearly understood by local authorities.

"The department has accordingly committed to look again at how the scheme works for people with hidden disabilities, to ensure that those with the greatest needs have access to a blue badge."

The Government consultation runs until Sunday, March 18.

To take part, visit www.gov.uk/government/consultations/blue-badge-disabled-parking-scheme-eligibility-review.