Grants to help disabled people stand for election as a councillor or MP have been extended for an extra year to cover the 2015 general elections.
The funding helps cover additional costs faced by disabled people such as sign-language interpreters or extra transport arrangements. Since its launch in July 2012, over 60 applications have been made to the fund, which also covers parish and town council elections.
Minister of state for disabled people, Mike Penning, said: ‘Sadly some people still have a misguided idea about disability. They hold outdated views that disability - whether it’s physical or mental – isn’t compatible with elected office. Well, not only are they wrong on a basic equalities level, but perhaps more importantly they are wrong on a purely practical level too.
‘That is why this initiative is imperative to get a broader, more representative electorate in office, which reflects the needs of everyone - including the 11 million disabled people in the UK.’
Minister for women and equalities, Helen Grant, also outlined details of new support for aspiring disabled candidates by providing coaching, mentoring and training. The programme will be delivered through the Local Government Association’s Be A Councillor campaign.
