The beaurocratic hoops that need to be jumped through are insane and very frustrating.
Perhaps that's an official (perhaps inappropriate) reaction to all the lead-swingers who have wangled badges up to now. All the recipients of Blue Badges, don't forget, had a doctor sign them off- If your Doc says you need one, hell why not?
My MIL had one- I refused to use it, instead taking her to the door of the building she was going to, and picking her up there too. Reason: she had me on that occasion, so the badge was not needed.
CG