Guide

Our aims

To grant building warrants and accept completion certificates:

• to secure the health, safety, welfare and convenience of persons in and about buildings and others who may be affected by buildings or matters connected with buildings
• furthering the conservation of fuel and power
• furthering the achievement of sustainable development.

Our vision and values

To provide a professional and informative service to all our customers.

Our commitments

Nationally, all local authority verifiers will:

• seek to minimise the time it takes for customers to obtain a building warrant or an amendment to building warrant
• ensure continuous improvement around the robustness of verification assessments to ensure compliance
• meet and seek to exceed customer expectations
• carry out local customer satisfaction research such as surveys and focus groups
• address feedback obtained through local and national customer satisfaction research (including National Customer Satisfaction Survey) to improve customer experience
• provide accurate financial data that is evidence based
• engage and participate in partnership working at local and national level to identify and embed service improvements at a national level
• adhere to a national annual performance report outlining our objectives, targets and performance
• fully adhere to the commitments outlined in this charter (including information on customer dissatisfaction) in relation to building warrant processing timescales, processes and technical interpretation
• ese a consistent format for our continuous improvement plans.

Our targets

KPO1 Targets

• 95% of first reports (for building warrants and amendments) issued within 20 days - all first reports (including BWs and amendments issued without a first report)
• 90% of building warrants and amendments issued within 10 days from receipt of all satisfactory information - all building warrants and amendments (not including BWs and amendments issued without a first report)

KPO2 Targets

• Targets to be developed as part of future review of KPO2

KPO3 Targets

• National customer charter is published prominently on the website and incorporates version control detailing reviews (reviewed at least quarterly)
• 95% of BSD requests for information on a BSD 'Verifier Performance Reporting Service for Customers' case responded to by verifier within 5 days

KPO4 Targets

• Minimum overall average satisfaction rating of 7.5 out of 10

KPO5 Targets

• Building standards verification fee income to cover indicative verification service costs (staff costs plus 30%)

KPO6 Targets

• Details of eBuilding Standards to be published prominently on the verifier's website
• 75% of each key building warrant related process being done electronically; Plan checking; Building warrant or amendments (and plans) being issued; Verification during construction and Completion certificates being accepted

KPO7 Targets

• Annual performance report published prominently on website with version control (reviewed at least quarterly)
• Annual performance report to include performance data in line with KPOs and associated targets (annually covering previous year e.g. April 2016 - March 2017)

More information

Read more about national information on verifier performance (Scottish Government website).

The National Customer Charter for Building Standards explains the minimum level of service you can expect from building standards teams across Scotland. It describes the standards that all local authority building standards verifiers (organisations that check and approve building warrant applications) should meet. It helps make sure customers receive a high-quality and consistent service across Scotland. 

The charter explains:

• the aims of the building standards service
• the commitments local authority verifiers make to customers
• national performance targets
• where to find information about verifier performance.

Find volunteering opportunities in Renfrewshire

If you're interested in volunteering in Renfrewshire, you can search and apply for volunteering opportunities on the Engage Renfrewshire volunteers website.

You'll need an email address to sign register on the Engage Renfrewshire website. 

If you do not have an email address, you can phone Engage Renfrewshire on 0141 887 7707.

Volunteer at council events

If you're looking for volunteers

If you're a community group looking for volunteers, get in touch with Engage Renfrewshire by:

• their website
• email: info@engagerenfrewshire.com
• phone: 0141 887 7707

You can also find support with funding, finance, social enterprise, support and development, volunteering, networking, premises, tools, and training on the Engage Renfrewshire website.

Volunteering is when you freely give up your time and skills to benefit others.

You may wish to volunteer to:

• support your community
• help people or organisations
• learn new skills and gain experience
• boost your wellbeing and confidence.

You can find out how you can volunteer to support your community (Ready Scotland website).  

Before offering your support, please make sure it is safe for you to do so.

Before you start building work

Contact us before you start building work if you're unsure whether you need a building warrant.

We can also help with building standards services and any of the forms on this page.

If you've submitted a paper application, you can speak to us about converting it to an online application.

Forms, applications and guidance

Building warrant fees

View the current building warrant fee scale before you apply.

Apply for a building warrant

Apply for a building warrant

Guidance for building warrant applications

Our guidance notes explain:

• what information you need to provide
• application fees
• where to submit your application
• what happens after you apply.

Tell us when work starts

Once we've approved your building warrant, you must tell us when work will begin.

Submit your notice before work starts and no later than 7 days after work begins.

Submit a notice regarding the start of work

Electrical certificates

If your project includes new electrical installations or alterations to an electrical circuit, you'll need to provide the correct certification and supporting documents.

Amend a building warrant

If you need to change approved plans after we've issued your building warrant, you must apply to amend it before carrying out the revised work.

Request a completion certificate

When building work is complete, tell us so we can carry out a final inspection.

Request a completion certificate

Use an approved certifier

An approved certifier of construction (a professional authorised to certify that specific work complies with building regulations) can certify certain elements of building work.

Apply for temporary occupation or use

If you need to occupy or use a building before we accept your completion certificate, apply for temporary occupation or use.

Request a property enquiry service

Use our property enquiry service if you need:

• copies of building warrants
• copies of completion certificates
• approved plans
• letters of comfort (documents that record our view on unauthorised building work)
• site inspection information
• confirmation that a building warrant was not required
• details of outstanding charges relating to a dangerous building notice.

Request a property enquiry service

Extend a building warrant

Building warrants normally remain valid for 3 years from the approval date.

If you’ve not completed the work within that period, you can apply for an extension. You should apply before the original validity period ends.

Apply to extend the validity of a building warrant

Apply for a Section 50 licensing certificate

You may need a Section 50 licensing certificate when applying for a new premises licence under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005.

Apply for a Section 50 licensing certificate

Submit a completion certificate for work carried out without a building warrant

Use this process if building work has already been completed without a required building warrant.

You should always obtain a building warrant before carrying out work that requires one.

Finalise design details

Use this form to certify contractor-designed elements of a project.

Apply to use a raised structure

Use this service if you need consent to use a raised platform structure under section 89 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.

Apply for consent to use a raised structure

Contact us

Contact us if you need help with building standards services or any of the forms on this page:

If you've submitted a paper application, you can speak to us about converting it to an online application.

Use this guide to find building warrant forms, guidance and related building standards services.

We recommend that you submit building warrant applications through the eDevelopment Scotland portal (edevelopment.scot) where possible.

What building standards are

Building standards help make sure building work in Scotland is safe, accessible, energy efficient and sustainable. They apply to new buildings and many types of work to existing buildings.

The building standards system is set out in the Building (Scotland) Act 2003 (legislation.gov.uk) and the building regulations made under that act.

Building standards aim to protect the:

• health of people who use buildings
• safety of people in and around buildings
• welfare and convenience of building users
• environment through energy efficiency and sustainable development.

What a building warrant is

A building warrant is legal permission to carry out certain types of building work.

You’ll usually need a building warrant before you start work if you plan to:

• build a new building
• extend an existing building
• alter an existing building
• convert a building for a different use
• demolish a building.

You must have a building warrant before starting any work that requires one.

Starting work without a required building warrant is an offence. We may take enforcement action, and the missing warrant could cause problems if you sell or transfer the property in the future.

We’ll assess your application against Scotland’s building regulations. If your proposal meets the requirements, we’ll issue a building warrant.

Apply for a building warrant

Other permissions you may need

A building warrant is separate from other approvals.

Depending on your project, you may also need consents such as:

• planning permission
• approval under fire safety legislation
• licences or other statutory consents (legal permissions required by law).

Contact us if you’re not sure what consents you need or if you have any questions:

More information

Find out how to:

• apply for a building warrant
• download other forms and guides, such as competition certificates and other consents.

Give us your feedback about our building standards service (smartsurvey.co.uk).

View these resources from the Scottish Government:

• building standards guide (gov.scot website)
• building standards customer journey (gov.scot website).

This guide explains what building standards are, what a building warrant is, and some other permissions you may need.

Stages in the adoption process

The adoption process is about assessing individuals and families who are looking to adopt a child to make sure they meet certain legal and care requirements. 

There are 6 stages in the adoption process:

1. initial enquiry
2. initial home visit
3. preparation groups
4. home study assessment
5. adoption panel and approval
6. linking process.

Initial enquiry

At this stage, you’ll be reading up on adoption and assessing if this is something you want to do. 

To express an interest in adoption, you can speak to our adoption team by:

• phone: 0300 300 1199 
• email: childrenandfamilies@renfrewshire.gov.uk.

A member of our adoption team will ask you some questions to gather some initial information and answer any questions you may have. 

We’ll then send you an information pack. 

We’ll contact you again to arrange an initial home visit and discuss the adoption process further, if you’d like to progress after reading the information pack.

Initial home visit

A social worker will carry out an initial home visit. During the visit, we’ll look at your decision to adopt and the legal requirements for adoption.

If there are any major health issues or past criminal convictions within your family, you must tell us at this time so that we can assess these concerns early.

If both you and the social worker are happy to continue, you’ll be invited to attend the next available preparation group and continue the process of adoption.

Preparation groups

Preparation groups are designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of the roles and responsibilities of adopting a child. 

Preparation groups run over 3 days.

You’ll hear about experiences of other adoptive parents and staff on areas including: 

• why children need to be adopted
• further stages of the adoption process
• case studies and experiences of matching children to their adoptive parents
• attachment and child development
• post adoption support. 

You must attend the preparation groups to move to the next stage in the adoption process.

After you’ve completed the preparation groups, we’ll arrange a home visit with you to:

• give you feedback on your participation at the preparation groups
• advise if you’re still suitable to move forward for adoption.

If we're happy for you to continue to the next stage, we’ll give you a formal application form to complete.

Home study assessment

Once your application has been received by the adoption team, they'll allocate you a supervising social worker. 

The supervising social worker will carry out a home study assessment and help you through the rest of the adoption process.

The home study assessment looks at each person applying to adopt and goes into detail about your:

• background
• family history
• relationships
• home living situation.

This is a very thorough assessment and can take between 6 to 9 months to complete.

Once the home study assessment is completed, we’ll present it to an adoption panel for final review and recommendations.

Adoption panel and approval

Your home study assessment will be reviewed by an adoption panel, which could include:

• medical advisors
• legal services
• experienced foster carers or adoptive parents
• representatives from education
• independent panel members who come from a variety of backgrounds and bring different life and professional experiences
• social work staff
• elected members.

The panel may ask questions on the information detailed in your home study assessment.

The panel will make recommendations on the age, gender, and number of children you’ll be allowed to adopt. 

The panel will pass its recommendations to an agency decision maker, who make the final decision. If approval is agreed, we'll send you an official letter of confirmation within 14 working days of approval.

Linking process

Linking in adoption is the process of deciding if a particular family can meet the needs of an individual child or group of brothers and sisters. 

Your supervising social worker will help you make the right choice by looking at the children’s profiles and discussing whether you have the specific skills and circumstances to meet their needs.

Timescales

We aim to complete the adoption process within 6 to 9 months, but timescales can vary from case to case to make sure that adoption is right for you and your family.

Each case is dependent on the individual and issues may arise which need to be assessed and discussed between you and your assessing social worker.

More information

You can contact our adoption service by:

People seeking asylum

A person seeking asylum is someone who has fled persecution in their home country. They have sought protection in another country while waiting a decision on their asylum claim.

They have the right to remain in a country while their application is being processed.

It is not illegal to seek asylum in the UK. Seeking asylum is a legal right protected under international law. The UK, like other countries, has signed the 1951 Refugee Convention (Refugee Council website). This gives people the right to ask for protection if they fear persecution.  

Asylum seekers do not need to claim asylum in the first safe country they arrive in. This is set out in the 1951 Refugee Convention. Around 70% of those who successfully claim asylum live in countries neighbouring their homeland. You can read statistics on where people who sought asylum stay (International Rescue Committee UK’s website).

Those who do travel beyond the first safe country they enter often choose a country where they have family, friends, or speak the language.

The UK is 17th out of all European countries for the number of people seeking asylum. This is based on population size. You can read about asylum and refugee resettlement in the UK (Migration Observatory website).

The UK Government operates the national asylum system. They manage where and how those seeking asylum are supported. Councils are required to be part of this scheme on a mandatory basis.

Adults waiting on the outcome of an asylum claim:

• are not permitted to work (except in very limited circumstances)
• are not able to claim benefits
• are not able to access support, such as council housing.

People seeking asylum are able to:

• access healthcare
• access English classes if those are available
• attend school if they are of school age.

Some charities, community groups and volunteer organisations provide support to people seeking asylum.

Housing and financial support

Accommodation and financial support for people seeking asylum is arranged by the Home Office. A person seeking asylum will be granted both if they are assessed as destitute.

Mears Group manage the accommodation and support of asylum seekers in Scotland. They do this on behalf of the Home Office. Accommodation provided to asylum seekers can be in a hotel or an individual private property.

A small daily allowance (Scottish Refugee Council website) of around £7 is given to people seeking asylum by the Home Office. This is to cover food, toiletries, clothing, travel, and other essentials.

Those living in hotel accommodation get a reduced allowance because they do not need to pay for food. They receive around £1.40 per day.

Councils have no role in providing or identifying accommodation for people seeking asylum. Organisations, such as Mears, can ask councils about the suitability of a property for accommodation. Councils cannot prevent a property being used to accommodate people seeking asylum. The only exception is where use of a property would breach legislation. You can read about planning permission for accommodating asylum seekers (UK Parliament website).

Councils are not responsible for housing people who are seeking asylum. Councils are only responsible for providing housing to those who have the right to remain in the UK.

People who claimed asylum and have been given the right to remain then become refugees. They must then leave the accommodation provided by the Home Office. They are given notice of when they need to leave by. At this stage they can ask for accommodation support (housing) from their local council.

Councils assess requests for housing from people living locally who present as homeless. This can include refugees granted leave to remain.

Housing applications by local people and refugees are treated the same way. Their circumstances are assessed in line with existing procedures. Refugees are not given priority over any other group.

Number of people seeking asylum

Asylum seekers make up 0.12% of Scotland’s population.

In Renfrewshire, there are 133 people seeking asylum (Home Office stats from June 2026, updated every quarter). This is further broken down into:

• 52 in dispersal accommodation (private properties)
• 67 in contingency accommodation (hotels).

This is 0.07% of Renfrewshire’s current population. This means for every 10,000 people living in Renfrewshire, around 7 are people seeking asylum.

Renfrewshire has fewer people seeking asylum than the Scottish average. The Scottish average is around 12 people per 10,000. The UK-wide average is around 13 people per 10,000.

The above figures are correct as of 30 June 2026.

See information and statistics on people seeking asylum (UK Government website) from the Home Office. This information shows by country and council area.

See how we support people who present as homeless.

Children seeking asylum

Children and young people under 18 can arrive without their parents or guardians and claim asylum. The law uses the term Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC) to describe them. These children and young people are often very vulnerable. They may have experienced significant trauma and abuse.

In recent years, there have been a high number of children and young people arriving in south England. This has led to the development of a new national scheme. It applies to all councils across the UK and children are dispersed across the country. Each council has an equal role to provide support for these children and young people. It is a requirement by law.

In Scotland, the support given to these children and young people must also meet care legislation requirements.

In Renfrewshire, there were 41 children classed as UASC as of 31 March 2026.

Refugees

A refugee is someone who is unable to live safely in their home country. This can be due to a well-founded fear of persecution based on their race, religion, nationality, or political opinion. It can also be because they are a member of a particular social group.

Refugees may be able to apply to come to the UK and stay for an agreed period. These are agreed through formal resettlement programmes.

People are also granted refugee status if their claim for asylum is successful.

The status of a refugee is recognised under the 1951 UN Refugee Convention (UNHCR website).

Refugees are usually entitled to the same social and economic rights as any UK citizen. This can include full access to medical treatment, education, benefits, housing and employment. Entitlement can vary due to resettlement schemes. Their entitlement remains the same for the full period a person is able to stay in the UK for.

Only 0.06% of Renfrewshire’s population are refugees.

Refugee resettlement in Renfrewshire

A number of refugee resettlement schemes have been supported in Renfrewshire since 2015. These have been supported by the council and partners.

Recently, Renfrewshire has supported refugees through the Ukrainian Displaced Persons (paused to new applicants) and Afghan Resettlement Programme (UK Government website) (closed to new applicants).

Other refugees supported locally have arrived through the UK Resettlement Scheme (UKRS) (Scottish Government website) (open to new applicants recommended by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)). This is the agreed route that brings the world’s most vulnerable refugees to the UK. The scheme prioritises people from regions of conflict and instability. They can be:

• survivors of torture and violence
• women and girls at risk
• people with severe medical needs.

Currently, just under 600 refugees are supported in accommodation across Renfrewshire. These figures are correct as of 31 March 2026. These refugees have come through resettlement or humanitarian protection schemes. They include families and individuals from Afghanistan, Gaza, Myanmar, Somalia, Syria and Ukraine.

Resettlement schemes usually operate on the basis of visas. These can last between 3 and 5 years. Those coming to the UK through resettlement are approved prior to arrival. They have rights to education, employment and welfare benefits for the period of their visa.

Renfrewshire receives funding from the UK Government to provide resettlement support. This is used by our resettlement team to support refugees. The team help refugees with support to employment and wider support services.

Ukrainian Displaced Persons

Following the invasion of Ukraine and Russia, the UK Government opened up this resettlement programme. This allows people from Ukraine displaced by the war to come to the UK. The period they can remain is 3 years and this is granted through a visa. Anyone who came to the UK through this route was able to work and access any other entitlements of UK citizens.

Due to the ongoing nature of the conflict, people who came to the UK under this scheme have been able to apply for an extension. They can apply for an 18-month extension above the initial 3-year visa.

In Renfrewshire, there are over 500 people living here under this scheme. They live in 215 households. These figures are correct as of 31 March 2026.

Some of the funding for the Ukrainian Displaced Persons scheme has now ended.

Immigrants and migrants 

An immigrant is someone who leaves one country to settle permanently in another. People typically immigrate:

• to seek better employment opportunities
• for education
• to reunite with family.

A migrant might have left their home for some of the same reasons listed above. They may have no specific intention to remain in their new country permanently.

There is no single definition of immigrant and migrant in law. This means these terms are often used interchangeably.

Students

Student visas allow people to live in the UK while they study at a university.

The UK is the second most popular place in the world for international students. They make up 24% of all UK university students. The main countries where international students come from are India and China.

Changes to student visas have changed which students come to the UK.

EU students no longer have home-fee status or access to student loans. New EU students at UK universities have fallen to 7% of all international students.

Dependent visas are heavily restricted since January 2024. This means many students are not eligible for this type of visa. It means they cannot bring family members with them to the UK.

The above figures are correct as of 31 March 2025.

Read about student migration to the UK (Migration Observatory website).

Graduates

International students who graduate can apply for a Graduate Visa.

International graduates are now more likely to remain in the UK than in the past. 41% have remained in the UK five years after their course of study ended.

It can take around 10 years for people who first come to the UK as students to be granted permanent settlement status.

The above figures are correct as of 31 March 2025.

English classes

Councils must provide adult learning support for everyone in the community. This is required under law and is known as Community Learning and Development.

English classes are also known as English as a Second or Additional Language (ESL or EAL) classes. They are part of the adult learning programme.

The programme also includes adult literacy classes which are also available for those who speak English as a first language.

Anybody that wants to attend an English or literacy class is able to do so. This includes:

• local people with English as a first language
• people seeking asylum
• refugees
• migrants with a culturally or ethnically diverse background that call Renfrewshire home.

In Renfrewshire, English and literacy classes are delivered using national funding. People can also access English classes at West College Scotland.

Renfrewshire is a welcoming place for all. Many people have made our area their home over many years. We have a proud history of supporting people to settle here.

People come to live here for a variety of different reasons. They come from other places in Scotland and the UK. They come from abroad for work or study. Some have also come through the asylum system or refugee resettlement programmes.

We are often asked questions about what support is available for people who come to live here. We are also asked what the difference is between someone seeking asylum and a refugee. Here, we have provided factual information from national organisations to help answer these questions.

Questions about Renfrewshire's communities can be sent to stronger.communities@renfrewshire.gov.uk.

Renew your Blue Badge

Your Blue Badge has an expiry date on it. You should apply up to 12 weeks before it expires.

You can reapply for yourself, or someone else can apply for you.

Renew your Blue Badge online (GOV.UK website)

The fee for renewing a Blue Badge is £20. We'll contact you about paying the fee if your Blue Badge is renewed.

Replace a lost, stolen or damaged Blue Badge

If your Blue Badge is lost or stolen, you must report it to the police.

Replace your Blue Badge online (GOV.UK website)

You can apply for yourself, or on behalf of a relative, somebody you care for, or somebody that needs a badge due to their disability or condition.

If your Blue Badge has been lost, you'll need a lost property reference number.

If your Blue Badge has been stolen, you'll need a crime reference number. 

You can get the reference number when you report it to the police.

There is a £20 administration charge for a replacement badge, which you can pay after we confirm your replacement.

Your replacement badge is valid until the expiry date of the original badge. If your badge is due to expire in the next 3 months, you should reapply for a new badge instead.

The lost or stolen badge is cancelled when you ask for a replacement. It is a criminal offence to use a cancelled badge, with a fine of up to £1,000.

Return and cancel your Blue Badge

You should:

• return your Blue Badge if you no longer need it
• return the Blue Badge if your relative or the person you care for no longer needs it.

Return the Blue Badge by posting it to us:

If you cannot apply online

If you cannot apply for a Blue Badge online, contact us to apply by email or phone:

Proof of identity

Your proof of identity can be a:

• birth or adoption certificate
• certification of British nationality
• civil partnership certificate or dissolution certificate
• HM Forces ID Card
• identity card for foreign nationals
• marriage or divorce certificate
• passport
• valid driving licence.

Proof of address

We'll need proof that you live in Renfrewshire, such as:

• award letter from the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency (SPVA)
• benefit award letter from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP)
• confirmation letter from Social Services
• confirmation letter from school
• consent to check Council Tax database
• consent to check school records
• council tax bill from the last 12 months
• housing benefit award letter
• pension letter
• valid driving licence.

Evidence you do not need a further mobility assessment

If you can apply for a Blue Badge without an assessment, you'll need to provide proof:

• of specific qualifying mobility benefits
• of severe sight impairment
• you receive War Pensioner's Mobility Supplement
• you've received certain tariffs of the Armed Forces and Reserved Forces (Compensation) Scheme and certified as having difficulty walking.

Specific qualifying mobility benefits

This is proof that you receive the:

• higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP):
  • 8 points or more in respect of 'moving around', or
  • 12 points or more in respect of 'planning and following journeys'

This proof should be your award letter, dated within the last 12 months.

If your award letter is more than 12 months old, you must provide your most recent annual uprating letter. The uprating letter for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) must confirm the points you are awarded.

If you've lost your award letter or your uprating letter, phone the The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) on 0800 121 4433 or textphone on 0800 121 4439.

If your benefit has transferred to Social Security Scotland, phone 0800 182 2222.

Severe sight impairment

Your proof of severe sight impairment should be a:

• Certificate of Vision Impairment (CVI)
• previous equivalent BP1 form signed by a Consultant Ophthalmologist and held by your Social Services Department or local visual impairment society.

War Pensioner's Mobility Supplement

This should be an award letter from the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency (SPVA).

If you've lost your award letter, you can phone the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency (SPVA) on freephone 0800 169 2277.

Armed Forces and Reserved Forces (Compensation) Scheme and certified as having difficulty walking

This should be an award letter from the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency (SPVA) confirming you have been:

• awarded a lump sum benefit at tariffs 1 to 8 of the Armed Forces and Reserved Forces (Compensation) Scheme
• certified as having a 'permanent and substantial disability which causes you to be unable to walk or have very considerable difficulty in walking'.

Your data

To prevent and detect fraud, we sometimes must share information provided to us with the National Fraud Initiative. You can read our privacy policy about how we collect, use, and share your data.

If your badge application is approved, we'll contact you about any information or proof we may still need and how you can pay the £20 fee.

To give you a Blue Badge, we'll need:

• proof of identity 
• proof of your address
• evidence you do not need a further mobility assessment if you have proof
• a recent passport style photograph in colour
• the £20 fee, which you can pay after you've been approved for the badge.

People who automatically get a Blue Badge

You automatically qualify for a Blue Badge if you're aged 3 or over and at least one of the following applies:

• you receive the higher rate of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• you receive a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) because you cannot walk more than 50 metres (a score of 8 points or more under the ‘moving around’ activity of the mobility component)
• you're registered blind (severely sight impaired)
• you receive a War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
• you have received a lump sum benefit within tariff levels 1 to 8 of the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (Compensation) Scheme and have been certified as having a permanent and substantial disability that causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking
• you receive the mobility component of PIP and have obtained 10 points specifically for descriptor E under the ‘planning and following journeys’ activity, on the grounds that you're unable to undertake any journey because it would cause you overwhelming psychological distress.

If you have any score other than 10 points under descriptor E in the ‘planning and following journeys’ activity of PIP, you may still be eligible for a Blue Badge, but you do not automatically qualify. This includes if you have a higher score of 12. You'll have to provide evidence to demonstrate your eligibility, which will be assessed as part of your application.

You'll need to provide evidence of the criteria you meet.

Learn more about who automatically qualifies for a Blue Badge (mygov.scot).

People who may get a Blue Badge

You may be eligible for a badge if one or more of the following applies:

• you cannot walk at all
• you cannot walk without help from someone else or using mobility aids
• you find walking very difficult due to pain, breathlessness or the time it takes
• walking is dangerous to your health and safety
• you have a life limiting illness, which means you cannot walk or find walking very difficult and have a SR1 form
• you have a severe disability in both arms and drive regularly, but cannot operate pay-and-display parking machines
• you have a child under the age of 3 with a medical condition that means the child always needs to be accompanied by bulky medical equipment
• you have a child under the age of 3 with a medical condition that means the child must always be kept near a vehicle in case they need emergency medical treatment
• you're constantly a significant risk to yourself or others near vehicles, in traffic or car parks
• you struggle severely to plan or follow a journey
• you find it difficult or impossible to control your actions and lack awareness of the impact you could have on others
• you regularly have intense and overwhelming responses to situations causing temporary loss of behavioural control
• you frequently become extremely anxious or fearful of public/open spaces.

You'll need to provide evidence of the criteria you meet.

Learn more about who else can get a Blue Badge (mygov.scot).

Risk in Traffic Blue Badge

You, or someone you care for, may be able to get a Blue Badge if you have diagnosed mental disorder or cognitive impairment where it is difficult to control behaviours that put you or others at risk in traffic.

To apply for a Blue Badge for this reason, you'll need to show us:

• you have a diagnosed mental disorder
• your safety or other people's safety may be at risk during journeys
• that other ways of preventing the risk have not worked.

We'll need information from your healthcare professional or social worker professional to show this.

Blue Badges for children under 3 with specific medical needs

You may be able to get a Blue Badge for your child if they're under 3 and they have a specific medical condition that means they always need to have bulky medical equipment with them.

Your child could get a Blue Badge if:

• they always need the equipment
• it cannot be carried around easily
• they need to be near a vehicle in case they need to be treated in the vehicle
• they need to be taken somewhere else quickly where they can be treated.

You'll need to provide us with a letter from a healthcare professional with:

• details of the child's medical condition
• the equipment, its size and portability
• the necessary treatment your child needs.

Organisations

Your organisation may be able to get a Blue Badge if you provide care and transportation for disabled people in Renfrewshire who need a Blue Badge.

Organisations like residential care homes, hospices, or local authority social services departments can apply for a Blue Badge.

Taxis, private hire operators and community transport operators are unlikely to get an organisational Blue Badge as their primary business is not the care of disabled people.

Your organisation should have a clear need for its own Blue Badge, rather than using the individual Blue Badges of the people being transported.

If you use the badge when there are no passengers in the vehicle who need a Blue Badge, you could be fined up to £1,000.

A senior member of your organisation should apply and include an organisation stamp or letter-headed paper as part of the proof.

Apply for a Blue Badge

Find out how to apply for a Blue Badge.

Other information

Find out:

• who can apply for a Blue Badge
• what evidence you need to provide for a Blue Badge
• how to apply for a Blue Badge
• how to renew, replace or return your Blue Badge
• about using your Blue Badge in the EU (GOV.UK website).

Learn more about Blue Badges (Transport Scotland website).

The Blue Badge scheme supports people with a disability to lead independent lives. The badge provides parking concessions for on-street parking, allowing badge holders to park close to where they need to go.

You do not need to own a car or be able to drive one. The badge is personal to you. You can use it in any vehicle that you're travelling in as a driver or a passenger within the UK and some EU countries.