Blue Badge holders will now be entitled to a concessionary rod licence, the Environment Agency announced this week.
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 eligibility. 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 from our website Environment Agency.
NOTES
– 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) at Environment Agency. 4. Through Direct Debit (for Full and Concessionary licences only) at Environment Agency. There is also a Direct Debit helpline on 01925 542500.
Anglers are eligible for a concessionary licence if:
1. Aged 12 to 16 inclusive (Junior)
2. Aged 65 years or over (Senior)
3. Have a blue badge
Blue badges are available to those who:
1. Receive the higher rate of the mobility component of the disability Living Allowance 2. Receive War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement 3. Are registered blind 4. Have a motor vehicle supplied for disabled people by a Government Health Department 5. 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 6. 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 Environment Agency.
