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Holidays and Leisure:Frequently Asked Questions
Through our helpline we receive enquiries spanning a wide range of different topics. Here is a selection of those most asked:
Can I get a reduction of Vehicle Excise Duty?
If you are disabled you may be entitled to a reduction or exemption of vehicle tax. The vehicle must be registered in your name or a specific driver’s name and must only be used for your personal needs.
You can apply for exemption if you get the:
- higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- enhanced rate mobility component of Adult Disability Payment – mygov.scot
- War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
You can get a 50% reduction in vehicle tax if you get the Personal Independence Payment or Adult Disability Payment standard rate mobility component Adult Disability Payment – mygov.scot
You can find out more here Vehicles exempt from vehicle tax – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
What help is there with energy costs?
Energy costs used to be a worry in winter but now bills can be a challenge all year round.
The good news is there are different grants and schemes available to help people improve the heating in their homes and keep heating costs down.
Home Energy Scotland is a free energy advice service funded by the Scottish Government to help people save money and keep their homes warmer. They offer simple energy saving tips, and know about funding schemes and how to access them.
Their website Home Energy Scotland offers help with finding funding, reducing your bills, making your home warmer and living a greener life. You can call them on 0808 808 2282
How can I get a RADAR key?
The National Key Scheme (NKS), often referred to as RADAR keys, offers disabled people independent access to locked public accessible toilets around the country. You can buy from Disability Rights UK either over the phone or through their website.
You can also purchase RADAR keys through some chemists and online.
For further information see our Accessible Toilets information guide or the Disability Rights UK website.
Call the Disability Information Scotland helpline on: 0300 323 9961
How can I get a disabled parking space outside my house?
If you need a disabled parking space outside your house, contact your council. They will assess your circumstances and may charge for this.
To qualify, you must
- have a current blue badge
- either be the driver of the vehicle or be assisted by a carer who is the driver if they live where the space is needed
- keep the vehicle at the address you give on the application form
- normally have difficulty getting a perking space on the public road.
A disabled parking space can be used by anyone with a blue badge, not just the person who applied for it.
For further information or help searching for your local council’s contact number then please contact our helpline on 0300 323 9961.
For more information on getting a blue badge, check out our Blue Badges Information Guide.
How can I get care or disability equipment at home?
If you need care, support or equipment at home, the first step is to contact your local council’s Social Work Department (or in Highland, NHS Highland) and ask for a Care needs assessment. You might qualify for an adaptation, equipment, care at home, or a budget you can use to arrange your own care. If you have a carer, they have a separate right to support from the council too. If the help you need counts as “free personal or nursing care” it will be free.
Holidays and Leisure:Search for Local Organisations
Our quick search tool can connect you to over 3000 service providers, suppliers and organisations supporting people across Scotland. To find support near you, simply enter your search term and select your local authority.
| Organisation | Description |
|---|---|
| Blair House Care Home | Private care home in Coatbridge |
| Blazewear Heated Clothing | Retailer of all types of heated clothing products |
| BLESMA (British Limbless Ex-Service Men’s Association) | Group promoting welfare & meeting financial needs of the limbless |
| Blind in Business | Provides a series of specialist training courses and workshops, a mentoring scheme and a dedicated employment service for people with a visual impairment |
| Bliss Scotland – the premature and sick baby charity | Information and support to parents & families who have had premature or sick babies |
| Blissymbol Communication UK | Promotes the use of the Blissymbol system |
| Blood Cancer UK | Aims: We’re a community dedicated to beating blood cancer by funding research, supporting those affected, and campaigning for change. Since 1960, we’ve invested over £500 million in blood cancer research, transforming treatments and saving lives. Servi… |
| Blue Badge Co | Products sold and services provided: Inspiring and uplifting, our vibrant range of designs and prints bring beauty to the everyday. Suppliers of wallets designed for ladies, gents or kids for holding Blue Badges. They come in a large variety of colour… |
| Blue Badge Protector | Thefts of Blue Badges have risen 45% in the last year and sixfold since 2013. We offer a secure Blue Badge protector to prevent the theft of your Blue Badge whilst parked. Our products are highly rated by our customers, are recommended by the Metropoli… |
| Blue Badge Scotland | Guidance on Blue Badge eligibility and online applications via the website |
