The Register of Disabled people in Bath and North East
Somerset
Legal Framework
The Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 section 1
states that it ‘shall be the duty of every local authority having
functions under section 29 of the National Assistance Act 1948 to
inform themselves of the number of persons to whom that section
applies within their area and of the need for making, by the
authority, of arrangements under that section’. Each
local authority has the right to interpret and determine their own
criteria and registration process. Registration is entirely
voluntary. These registers are quite separate and independent
of the register kept by the Department of Employment.
Who can be registered?
Bath and North East Somerset maintains a register of disabled
people and a separate register of people who are blind and
partially sighted. No medical examination is required for general
registration but a medical examination and report is required for
the blind and partially sighted register. However, a person wishing
to be registered as disabled will be asked to provide some evidence
- either a benefit book, a blue badge, employment registration or
letter from a health practitioner.
Bath and North East Somerset Social Services have adopted a wide
definition of disability to include those people who come within
our eligibility criteria who may have difficulty with every day
tasks of daily living. Therefore, people with a learning difficulty
and those with a mental illness etc. can be considered.
Benefits of being on the Register
There are a few benefits in being added to the general register
of disabled people. Currently the chief benefits are
:-
- It is possible to claim back the VAT on some categories of
aids, equipment and adaptations if a person is registered
disabled.
- Some facilities offer concessions on admission charges if a
person is registered disabled.
- People who are registered disabled may be eligible to apply for
sheltered housing schemes depending on age and other factors.
Contact the Housing Advice service on 01225 396296 for more
information.
Concessionary Travel
The criteria for people under pensionable age who wish to obtain
a concessionary bus pass are slightly different and a Social
Services registration may not be adequate. Persons wishing to
obtain a concessionary pass are advised to apply to:
The Concessionary Travel Scheme
PO Box 2195
BA1 2ZJ
Telephone 01225 477681
9.00am to 12.30 Monday to Friday
Fax 01225 394335
Minicom 01225 394166
If you need help – Community Care Act Assessments of Need
People who are eligible for registration as disabled are likely
to be also entitled to an assessment of their needs under the NHS
and Community Care Act 1990. Such an assessment is required
in order to receive services provided by Social Services.
Anyone who believes they need help from Social Services in
order to maintain their independence or to meet their need
for care, should contact the Council on 01225 477000 and ask
for the Adult Duty Team. A friend or relative can make a
referral if they have the permission of the disabled person.
Important: Please note that Registration is for a period of 5
years only unless the person is blind or partially sighted. This is
because it is difficult to keep the register up to date. If
you wish to maintain your registration beyond 5 years, you should
contact us again. The expiry date is on the card.
This information can be made available in a range of languages,
large print, Braille, on tape, electronic and accessible
formats. Contact Melanie Clark on 01225 477983, fax 01225
477973 and Minicom 01225 477043 or email Information_officer@bathnes.gov.uk |
