by political editor Paul Francis

Thousands of disabled people face a five-fold increase in the costs of applying to become a Blue Badge holder.

Kent County Council has unveiled proposals for a four-fold increase in the charge, with the fee rising from £2 to £10.

The hike will affect tens of thousands of blue badge holders when it comes to applying or re-applying for their permits.

About 80,000 people in Kent are holders of the badges, which allow them free parking closer to shops and other facilities.

Under government reforms, KCC is taking over the process of assessing applications, which had been carried out by GPs.

The reforms aim to curb abuse of the scheme and cut fraudulent applications. Under the changes, councils have been told they can charge up to £10 - 400% more than the current fee of £2, which has not changed since the 1970s.

The county council says that unless it covers the administration costs associated with the scheme by charging more, it would have to find an extra £246,000 from elsewhere in its budget.

In a change to the current system, applicants will only pay the £10 if they are successful. Currently, all those who ask for a permit are charged the £2 fee, regardless of whether they are successful.

Permits are awarded for three years, after which they have to be renewed and KCC says that despite the rise, which is likely to come in from January, badge holders will still get good value for money.

Cllr Graham Gibbbens (Con), KCC cabinet member for adult social care, said: "Blue badge holders have paid £2 since the 1970s and that has never covered the costs. This process will cost the authority £4.60 per badge. This will mean a more streamlined system and more security. All our neighbouring authorities are charging £10."

The hike is expected to come in in January next year.