25/02/2005 - Blue Badge
holders will now be entitled to a concessionary
rod licence, the Environment Agency announced
today. From the beginning of the new licence
year - 1 April 2005 - the rules for applying
for a concessionary licence on grounds of
disability will become clearer and fairer.
The Environment Agency offers concessionary
licence rates to help and encourage disabled
anglers to enjoy this popular outdoor sport.
In the past, anglers were required to present
a benefit book to demonstrate eiligibility.
Now the Environment Agency will use the
Blue Badge scheme. This move is consistent
with the needs of the Disability Discrimination
Act that came fully into force in October
2004. The change will enable people to clearly
and fairly prove their eligibility to buy
their licence at the reduced rate.
The new system will offer concessions for
a large group of anglers including those
who:
receive the higher rate of the mobility
component of the Disability Living Allowance
receive War Pensioners’ Mobility supplement
are registered blind
have a motor vehicle supplied for disabled
people by a Government Health Department
have a severe disability in both upper
limbs
have a permanent and substantial disability,
leading to a severe difficulty in walking.
Godfrey Williams, Fisheries Policy and
Process Manager said:
" These changes make it more straightforward
for us to give help to a wide group of anglers.
Our new rules will be more consistent, fairer
and simpler to administer and we believe
that some people who were excluded before
will now qualify for a concessionary licence."
"Where we previously asked disabled
anglers to produce a benefit book in order
to demonstrate qualification for a concession
rod licence, now anglers can get their concessions
from the Post Office simply by showing their
Blue Badge. "
The Blue Badge scheme is administered by
Local Authorities. Those eligible can apply
to join the scheme through the Social Services
Department at their local Council offices.
The Environment Agency's change is the
result of a year-long review, part of which
involved consultation with the British Disabled
Angling Association, the nationally recognised
body for disabled anglers. The proposed
changes were advertised in the national
press alongside rod licence duties in July
last year. Ministers then confirmed the
changes.
Concessions will also be available via
the Direct Debit scheme and application
forms can be obtained from the Environment
Agency by calling 08708 506 506 or see link.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Anglers can purchase a rod licence from
the Post Office and should bring their Blue
Badge with them to demonstrate eligibility
for a concession
Concessionary rod licences can also be
purchased from the Environment Agency by
Direct Debit; you would need to record your
Blue Badge number on the application form.
Concessions for anglers aged 65 or over
and 12 to 16 inclusive are not affected
and still exist.
To obtain a Blue Badge, contact the Social
Services Department of your local authority
for an application form.
Anglers who already pay by direct debit
and have a blue badge need to inform the
Environment Agency by 30th November 2005
to qualify for a concession next year.
The BDAA support our decision our decision
to change the concession rod licence rules.
Rod licences are available from:
1. Every Post Office in England and Wales
2. By telephone (for Full and Junior Concessionary
licences only) on 0870 1662 662
3. On-line (for Full, Junior Concessionary,
8-day and 1-day licences only) or at the
link displayed.
4. Through Direct Debit (for Full and Concessionary
licences only) or at the link displayed.
There is also a Direct Debit helpline on
01925 542500.
Anglers are eligible for a concessionary
licence if:
Aged 12 to 16 inclusive (Junior)
Aged 65 years or over (Senior)
Have a blue badge
Blue badges are available to those who:
Receive the higher rate of the mobility
component of the disability Living Allowance
Receive War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
Are registered blind
Have a motor vehicle supplied for disabled
people by a Government Health Department
Have a severe disability in both upper limbs,
regularly drive a motor vehicle but cannot
turn the steering wheel of a motor vehicle
by hand even if that wheel is fitted with
a turning knob
Have a permanent and substantial disability,
which means you are unable to walk, or have
very considerable difficulty in walking.
For further information on rod fishing licences,
contact the Fisheries Administration Support
Team on 08708 506 506 or visit link displayed
here.
The Environment Agency for England and
Wales is a Non-Departmental Public Body
(NDPB), set up under the Environment Act
1995, to take an integrated approach to
environmental protection and enhancement
in England and Wales. The Agency has major
responsibilities for controlling industrial
pollution and wastes management, regulation
of the water environment, and for protection
against flooding from rivers and the sea.
The Environment Agency’s primary aim is
to protect and improve the environment and
make a contribution towards the delivery
of sustainable development through the integrated
management of air, land and water. Details
of the Agency’s functions are available
on the Agency’s website.