Woman with ME refused disability car badge

A former Perthshire councillor has hit out after her application for a disabled blue badge was rejected – despite being diagnosed with a lifelong condition.

Fiona Sarwar, who stepped down as an SNP member for the Strathmore ward this year after five years’ service, was diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis – also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/ CFS) – in August.

She applied for a blue badge, as the condition can cause her to suffer severe pain in her legs and arms, migraines and brain fog.

But Perth and Kinross Council knocked her back, saying applicants must be able to prove they have had a disability for at least a year before getting one.

That was despite the local authority acknowledging in a letter that her disability is permanent.

Ms Sarwar, from Coupar Angus, said: “I had to pay £35 to my GP for an evidence letter and now they are saying I cannot appeal the decision without more evidence from my GP – I can’t afford that.”

A Perth and Kinross Council spokesperson said: “Local authorities process applications in line with criteria set out by Transport Scotland.

“When an applicant is unhappy with our decision, they can request a review and this will be carried out by an officer not involved in dealing with the initial application.”

Fiona Sarwar.