York Human Rights City Network is a member of the Reverse the Ban coalition of 27 local organisations that was formed in the wake of the Council Executive vote in November 2021 to impose a permanent ban on disabled people using their Blue Badge to enter large parts of the city centre. This has been described as one of the biggest human rights issues facing the city. Reverse the Ban has been working since then to reverse the ban and more information is available on their website.
Reverse the Ban was delighted that the two local political groups – Labour and Conservative – that had pledged to reverse the ban if elected at the local election on 4th May 2023 both increased the number of their seats and Labour took overall control of the Council. The Blue Badge issue was a key influence on the campaign and the outcome was a hugely important statement of support for disabled people’s rights. Work will now continue to ensure that the political pledges turn into actions.
Please also read on for details of our work leading up to the decision to bring in the permanent ban.
1. Our statement on Blue Badge Access to York City Centre, July 2021
2. Response statement from the city’s Human Rights & Equalities Board, 23rd September 2021
3. Our report to the city’s Human Rights & Equalities Board, 14th October 2021
4. Our statement on Access to York City Centre and implications for York as a Human Rights City, 29th November 2021