Maria Miller Calls for More Accessible Politics

Maria Miller, the Minister for Disabled People

The UK’s main political parties have been asked to help get more disabled people into politics and public life.

Coalition Government Ministers have called for evidence about what work is already being done by the Westminster parties to help more disabled people become MPs, councillors or other elected officials – and also show what more can be done. Once gathered, the information will help form a cross-Government strategy to address the barriers disabled people face.

Minister for Disabled People, Maria Miller MP said: “We know that many disabled people want to get involved and make a contribution in politics and public life more broadly but, for a number of reasons, don’t ever make that step.

“We need to do more to help people make that first step and break down the barriers that disabled people are facing,” she added. “That might involve providing some money for extra costs, or simply having contact with someone who can explain the process along the way. I’ll be working with disabled people and colleagues across Government to make sure this important work gets done.”

The Coalition Government made a commitment within their agreement to introduce ‘extra support for disabled people who want to become MPs, councillors or other elected officials’. As part of this commitment, a cross Government steering group has been set up to focus on delivering on this commitment. The Office for Disability Issues will be working with the Government Equalities Office and the Cabinet Office to consider how additional support might best be developed.