HC Deb 29 March 1999 vol 328 c469W
Mrs. May

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what funds are available to local authorities to improve access to polling stations for disabled people. [79027]

Ms Armstrong

Acting returning officers may apply to the Home Office for grants towards the cost of providing temporary ramps and specially adapted polling screens, to make polling stations accessible for those disabled voters who wish to vote in person, for national and European elections. The remainder of the cost is funded by the local authority. Grants are not allocated specifically for local elections. The need for revenue expenditure by local authorities is taken into account, along with other spending pressures and the scope for efficiencies, in the local government finance settlement.