The Access to Elected Office Fund (Scotland) is now open for applicants running for selection and as candidates for the Scottish Parliament elections in 2021, and in any by-elections for Local Authority and Scottish Parliament seats.

The Fund pays for practical support to allow disabled people to fully participate in the political process, covering “reasonable adjustments” that level the playing field between disabled and non-disabled candidates, but not general campaign costs. Applicants do not need to have been selected yet nor do they need to be members of a party to apply for the Fund.

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 our Civic Participation team on 0131 370 6713 (Text Relay or Contact Scotland BSL assisted calls welcome), or by e-mail at civicparticipation@inclusionscotland.org

Please note the Access to Elected Office Fund (Scotland) is unable to provide support to candidates running for the UK Parliament, due to reserved legislation.

Testimonials

‘The Access to Elected Office Fund Scotland is a vital step forward in levelling the playing field for disabled people to be represented in political office.  It is a major component for the disabled people’s movement to reach the goal of greater representation in society and allow disabled peoples voices to be heard.’

Grahame Hardie (Liberal Democrat), councillor for Helensburgh Central, Argyll and Bute

‘As a wheelchair user, the Access to Elected Office Fund really helped to level the playing field between me and other able-bodied candidates. Having a Personal Assistant, paid for by the Access to Elected Office Fund, really gave me confidence when canvassing a rural community from my wheelchair. As a tetraplegic, assistive devices provided by the Access to Elected Office Fund really helped me overcome my paralysis and manage my online campaign just as easily as able-bodied candidates.’

Eric Holford (Conservative), councillor for Clydesdale East, South Lanarkshire

‘The help I was given from Inclusion Scotland and the Access to Elected Office Fund was invaluable. By bringing down the barriers that would have prevented me from standing for office, their assistance and understanding made my dream a reality. I hadn’t realised how isolated I had become until I was back involved in the work place, doing a job I love & being able to help other people.’

Jenny Adam McGregor (SNP), councillor for Paisley North East & Ralston, Renfrewshire

‘If it wasn’t for the Access to Elected Office Fund I would never have considered standing for election. It would have been impossible without that support. I would urge any disabled person who has ever thought about standing for office to take the leap and access the fund. Things will never get better for disabled people until we have fair and equal representation on all level of government.’

Robert Mooney (Labour), councillor for Canal Ward, City of Glasgow