ANYONE who damages, loses or has their Blue Badge stolen will have to pay a £10 administration charge to replace it.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, meeting on May 18, was recommended to approve the introduction of a £10 charge to replace the badges used by disabled people.

A report to Cabinet stated that following a seven week consultation earlier this year an “extremely limited” response of just 13 was received, 11 of which were from Blue Badge holders.

The report stated that there are currently 9,798 Blue Badges in circulation in Pembrokeshire, the response being just 0.1 per cent.

Seven agreed with the charge and six disagreed, with the majority stating they used their badge daily.

The report stated that each time the authority issues a replacement badge, the nationwide Blue Badge Improvement Service (BBIS) charges £4.85, which led to a cost to the county of £257.05 during the 2013-14 financial year.

The report added 17 local authorities in Wales are currently charging a £10 administration fee for replacement badges.

Cabinet members agreed to the £10 administration charge.