Discovery pack this Alpha follows: Northshire Discovery, August 2026. People apply on a 12-page paper form, post a photo, and wait about six weeks. Many phone the contact centre because they do not know if they qualify.

The risky assumption Alpha is testing: An applicant can answer the eligibility questions and provide a photo without a caseworker sitting with them.

Users, carried forward from Discovery. Say if a group was added or dropped: People who need a badge because walking is difficult. Carers applying for someone else. People who do not use the internet. No group was dropped. Alpha has not yet met the second or third group.

In scope: The application, the photo, the fee, and the message that says what happens next.

Out of scope, and who owns it: The legal test for a badge. Owned by the council's Blue Badge team. Printing and posting the physical badge. Owned by the existing badge contractor.

Decision you are asking the panel to support: Continue to a private beta of two routes, an online application and a booked desk appointment. Do not build the chat tool.

Residual risks you would take into a beta: The online photo route has not been tried with people who cannot leave home. The £10 fee has not been taken through GOV.UK Pay.

What would make you stop instead: If people who need the badge cannot complete either route without a caseworker, stop and keep the paper form.