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

To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, if he will make an assessment of the potential effect of the Elections Bill on barriers to independent voting for disabled people.

The intent of the accessibility measures in the Elections Bill is to widen the support provided to disabled voters and remove barriers to change and innovation. This is why we are removing the overly prescriptive requirement to provide a specific single device, and replacing it with a broader duty on Returning Officers to consider voters with all disabilities when providing equipment. It is most appropriate that the organisation of this additional support takes place at a local level to enable all disabled voters to have their individual needs and requirements met. This will strengthen the support for all voters with disabilities and improve the way this is delivered.

Returning Officers will be supported in carrying out this new duty through enhanced Electoral Commission guidance which will be produced in partnership with the Government’s expert Accessibility of Elections Working Group and in collaboration with a multitude of disabled people’s organisations and charities representing disabled people.