This DCMS administered fund has been running for some years but as a result of a Liberal Democrat initiative, real practical and financial support is now available through party sources to promote more council candidates with disabilities with mentoring support and real money grants (approved by the Electoral Commission as not encroaching on election expenses rules) to help overcome the particular physical and mental barriers that inhibit people with disabilities from standing for election.
A contract won by ALDC from the LGA is being delivered by Steve Hitchins as an extension of the Be a Councillor programme. Steve tells us “There are three critical elements to this project. I will be working with ALDC, the LGA and the Liberal Democrat Disability Association (LDDA) to disperse the information as widely as we can. Unless we have candidates or people who are thinking about being candidates we cannot take full advantage of this programme.”
Those that apply and are put on the fast track programme will receive 1:1 mentoring probably from a local Lib Dem councillor or former councillor to guide such candidates and to help think through both how they will work as a councillor and as a candidate in both selection and the campaign. Although most grants are in the region of £500 some have been for substantial funds. They can provide very practical support such as signers, wheelchair assistants and anything likely to assist candidates overcoming physical and mental barriers that inhibit electoral success.
This is a new area for Liberal Democrats and we have much to learn but that shouldn’t deter any with disabilities coming forward. We are looking for a handful of candidates already selected in target seats for 2014 but plan a more ambitious programme for 2015.
For more information, please contact Steve Hitchins at steve.hitchins@googlemail.com