Barrier Broken Down For Disabled To Become Councillors (Canterbury & Whitstable Liberal Democrats)

Canterbury & Whitstable Liberal Democrats <info@cantlibdem.org.uk>

Barrier Broken Down For Disabled To Become Councillors

November 22, 2008 10:31 AM

A Canterbury City Councillor has won a major concession from the Government that will make it much easier for disabled people to become local Councillors. With the help of the new President of the Liberal Democrats Baroness Ros Scott, Canterbury Councillor Jo Calvert-Mindell pressed the Government to allow disabled Councillors to qualify for the 'Access to Work Scheme'. This scheme is a Government initiative aimed at relieving the financial burden on employers to make 'reasonable' adjustments to the working environment under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).

Cllr Calvert-Mindell said, 'I am a bit like a dog with a bone when I think that something is unfair. I am delighted that it appears I have made it easier for more disabled Councillors to be supported without the financial burden falling on their particular Council or themselves as Councillors'.

The Access to Work Scheme is normally only available to situations in which an 'employer' is trying to accommodate a disabled worker. The Government covers the cost of the changes to the working environment rather than the employer. Local Councillors are not 'employed' by local Councils but receive an allowance to cover their expenses. However, Cllr Calvert-Mindell asked Baroness Scott to ask for a Government opinion on whether Access to Work could apply to Councillors.

Cllr Calvert-Mindell added,'The Government has announced that Access to Work payments are indeed permissible in the case of local Councillors. The scheme means that disabled Councillors will be able to get the resources to enable them to carry out their duties on behalf of their communities in the same way as any able bodied Councillor. These may include adjustments at home and in the office such as setting up an ergonomic environment and receiving assistance with travel. This is a great step forward and will pave the way for anyone in the community who is so minded to become a Councillor without fear of their disability being a barrier'.

Lib Dem Parliamentary spokesman for Canterbury Guy Voizey said, 'It is vital that disabled Councillors are not disadvantaged and are fully supported in their Council work'.