Funding available to help cover extra costs for election candidates with a disability

The funding is available to help cover the extra costs that disabled people could potentially face in running for election including the Scottish Parliament Election on Thursday May 6 2021. 

The Access to Elected Office Fund is delivered by Inclusion Scotland and supported by the Scottish Government

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.

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: https://inclusionscotland.org/what-we-do/employability-and-civic-participation/access-to-politics/aeofs/