§ Mr. Andrew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will review the criteria for grants in respect of access to polling stations by disabled people;
(2) what steps he proposes to take to promote improved access to polling stations for disabled people.
§ Mr. Peter LloydCouncils have a statutory obligation to place polling stations only in buildings which are accessible to disabled people, wherever this is practicable. We have provided guidance for acting returning officers to remind them of their obligations, and shall continue to do so. Where it is not possible to use a building affording easy access, we will provide grants towards half the cost of a temporary ramp, provided the local authority will meet the other half. We consider it reasonable to expect the local authority to contribute to the cost since the ramps may also be used at local elections and for other local activities. We will consider as part of our post-election review of electoral practice whether more needs to be done to help disabled people to exercise their right to vote.