Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking to help ensure those seeking election to local authorities are provided with support in advance of election day.

The Government does not provide direct support to individuals seeking election. The Electoral Commission is the independent regulatory body responsible for providing guidance and support to candidates on how to comply with electoral law.

This department funds the Local Government Association (LGA) to deliver a programme of sector support, including the LGA’s Be A Councillor Campaign which aims to raise awareness of the councillor role, help people to find out more about becoming a councillor and increase representation in local government of the communities it serves.