The Local Government Association (LGA) has welcomed a new fund encouraging for people with disabilities to put themselves forward for public office.
The EnAble Fund for Elected Office is intended to cover the extra costs associated with a disability or health condition that would otherwise prevent someone from seeking office.
It could pay for sign language interpreters, assistive technology, a personal assistant to help with specific tasks or taxi fares.
The fund will run until May 2020 and is primarily intended to support people with disabilities standing for the local elections next May and the police and crime commissioner elections in 2020.
Lord Porter, chairman of the LGA, said: 'Local government thrives on and values councillors, including those with disabilities, willing to put themselves forward for election so that political parties get a choice of quality candidates – those who are capable, vibrant, energetic and engaged, with a commitment to local people.
'We encourage people with disabilities and a passion for change to strongly consider becoming a councillor to ensure local communities are represented by a diverse pool of people, otherwise they risk missing out on the best.'
