Wirral cancels 459 Blue Badges still used after holders’ deaths
A government investigation found 459 Blue Badges in the Wirral were still being used after the people they were issued to had died. The badges have been cancelled, saving taxpayers more than £363,000 in 2024-25, while targeted patrols aim to stop further misuse.
The Public Sector Fraud Authority identified potentially fraudulent permits by comparing council data with Department for Work and Pensions records. Across the country, more than £34 million in Blue Badge fraud has been addressed over two years; the authority says its wider work saved or protected more than £400 million last year and exceeded its recovery target.
In short
- 459 Wirral Blue Badges issued to people who had died were cancelled.
- The cancellations saved more than £363,000 in 2024-25.
- Fraud action saved or protected over £400 million last year.
Explained simply
A Blue Badge is a permit that helps eligible disabled people park closer to places they need to visit. In England, councils issue the badges and are responsible for checking they are used according to the rules.
The Public Sector Fraud Authority investigates fraud involving public money and services. It worked with the Department for Work and Pensions, which holds records including information about deaths, and councils such as Wirral to identify badges that might still be in use after their holders had died.
Misuse can affect access to parking for people who rely on the scheme and can cost the public money. The Wirral findings form part of a wider national effort to identify and prevent Blue Badge fraud.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Hundreds of Blue Badges cancelled after government fraud buster investigation discovers disability permits issued to dead people still in use”.