Access to Elected Office Fund

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1. Overview

This fund is currently closed. Find out if you can get help with disability-related expenses from the 鈥�EnAble Fund for Elected Office鈥� instead.

You could get a grant of between 拢250 and 拢40,000 if 测辞耻鈥檙别 disabled and standing for election to, or selection as a candidate in, the:

  • UK Parliament
  • English local government
  • Greater London Assembly
  • mayoral elections (England only)
  • Police and Crime Commissioner
  • English parish and town councils

You will not have to pay back any money you receive.

The fund is for disability-related costs you pay as part of standing for election - it does not cover general campaigning costs (like leaflets) or living costs.

2. What you'll get

This fund is currently closed. Find out if you can get help with disability-related expenses from the 鈥�EnAble Fund for Elected Office鈥� instead.

You could get between 拢250 and 拢40,000 in any calendar year (1 January to 31 December) to cover disability-related costs. For example:

  • transport needs (if you have difficulty using public transport)
  • sign language interpreters
  • extra travel or accommodation costs if you need a carer

You can apply more than once but together the applications must not total more than 拢40,000 in any calendar year. Your grant can be backdated up to 2 months before the date of your offer letter.

You cannot use the money for general campaigning or living costs. Read from the Electoral Commission website.

How 测辞耻鈥檙别 paid

If your application is successful, you must send in any original invoices or receipts for the items you listed in your application. The money will be paid after you provide proof of your spending.

Payments are made on the second and last Friday of every month.

3. Eligibility

This fund is currently closed. Find out if you can get help with disability-related expenses from the 鈥�EnAble Fund for Elected Office鈥� instead.

You can apply to the Access to Elected Office Fund if:

  • 测辞耻鈥檙别
  • you can prove your disability, for example with a letter from a doctor
  • you can prove 测辞耻鈥檙别 involved or interested in civic, community or relevant activities, for example volunteering or student politics
  • your application is supported by a member of your political party, or an independent referee if you do not have a political party