Ros in the Lords: Written Question - Access to Work

Two weeks earlier, Ros had been brushed off by the redoubtable Baroness Hanham, but she's plucky, and was back with a follow-up...

Wednesday 22 December 2010

Access to Work

Question

Asked by Baroness Scott of Needham Market

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the Access to Work fund can be used to assist local government councillors in the furtherance of their duty.[HL5161]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Communities and Local Government (Baroness Hanham): Councillors of all principal local authorities are treated for Access to Work purposes as in employment, and thus provided they meet the general eligibility criteria are eligible for Access to Work support. Certain parish councillors who receive only reimbursement of travel and meal allowances are treated as voluntary workers and are not eligible for Access to Work.

The Government is also committed to introduce extra support for disabled people who want to become MPs, councillors or other elected officials following recommendations of the Speaker's Conference on Parliamentary Representation in January 2010, and intends to consult shortly on options, including an Access to Elected Office Fund.

So, good news for our representative democracy, and great news for those with disabilities that might have put them off of the idea of running for election. And if you know anyone who might benefit from this information, please pass it on.