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Disabled people are under-represented on all of London's councils. Only 8.6 per cent of councillors in London identify as disabled people this compares with a national average of 10.9 per cent.
The criteria for being a councillor are set out in the who can be a councillor? section. If you are disabled and are interested in standing as a councillor the same conditions apply.
For prospective disabled councillors there are no additional funds or support available from your local council, although a political party may be able to provide some support.
Once you become a councillor, your council will work with you to overcome any barriers there are to you being fully involved.
Being a councillor is not a full time job and should not affect any incapacity benefit you receive, although there is no official guidance on this and some local offices may have a particular interpretation of the regulations. If you claim benefits and take up a remunerated public position you should talk to a welfare rights adviser before taking up the role.
For more information, read about the experiences of Marie Pye, a councillor in Waltham Forest who is disabled.
The charity Scope has published a short guide to encourage disabled people to become actively involved in public and political life, see the Time to get Equal website. Opens in a new window
Labour Party Disabled Members Group
Website www.labour.org.uk/disabilityaccess Opens in a new window
For London area enquires contact Stephen Aselford at stephen.aselford@googlemail.com, tel 020 8684 7716
Conservative Disability Group
Website: www.conservativedisability.com/index.htm Opens in a new window
enquiries@conservativedisability.com
The Liberal Democrat Disability Association
info@disabilitylibdems.org.uk
Website: www.disabilitylibdems.org.uk Opens in a new window
