ACCESS TO ELECTED OFFICE FUND

That this House notes that disabled people are still under-represented in politics; further notes that a strong democracy is an inclusive one; is concerned that the UK needs to do more to encourage a diverse mix of local, regional and national election candidates that better reflects the society we live in; regrets the time taken to date to evaluate the pilot Access to Elected Office Fund since its closure in May 2015; notes the Equality and Human Rights Commission's September 2015 recommendation that the Government reopens the Fund in England, and works with the Scottish and Welsh Governments to explore options for making the scheme, or similar funds, available across the UK; and calls on the Government to act on that recommendation as a matter or urgency, so as to benefit disabled candidates planning to stand in local and regional elections in May 2016.