Funding available to help cover extra costs for election candidates with a disability
Funding is available to help cover the extra costs that disabled people could potentially face in running for election including the Livingston South Ward By-Election taking place on Thursday 11 March.
The Access to Elected Office Fund, which is delivered by Inclusion Scotland and supported by the Scottish Government, offers financial assistance to disabled people running in the 2021 Scottish Parliament election, and in any by-elections for Local Authority and Scottish Parliament seats.
The Fund provides financial support to pay for the additional impairment related costs that disabled people face when running for elected office. This helps level the playing field with non-disabled candidates. The fund does not cover campaign costs. In the past the fund has covered the cost for; transport, personal assistants, communications support, equipment and assistive technology.
To apply for the Fund you must self-define as disabled, under the definition used in the Equality Act 2010.
You must also have a stated intention to seek selection for an eligible election covered by the Fund (if in a party), have been selected, or be planning to seek election as an independent.
You must be eligible to be a candidate in the election in question, as per the relevant electoral regulation.
In the 2017 Local Authority elections, there were 39 disabled candidates supported by the Access to Elected Office Fund pilot scheme. Of these candidates, 15 were elected, representing 4 different political parties in 12 different councils.
To express your interest in applying for the Access to Elected Office Fund, or to find out further information, please contact accesspolitics@inclusionscotland.org or call Ethan 0131 370 6715.
Further information can be found online: Inclusion Scotland website (opens new window)
For more on the Livingston South By-Election, please visit: Livingston South By-Election (opens new window)
