Being a councillor and disability

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 may not affect any incapacity benefit you receive, however individual cases will vary so please do check this with the Department for Work and Pensions. 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

Further information

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