§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many grants were(a) received and (b) approved in the last financial year for portable ramps to enable church and other authorities to adapt polling stations to meet the needs of disabled voters.
§ Mr. Peter LloydGrants towards the purchase of temporary ramps to provide access to polling stations for disabled voters are paid to returning officers. About 25 grants for the purchase of temporary ramps were paid in the financial year 1991–92. No applications for grants were refused. In addition, a few applications which were received in the last financial year will be paid during the current year.
§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy to allow grant aid for church and other authorities providing polling stations for local and national elections to meet the needs of disabled voters; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter LloydCouncils are required, so far as is reasonable and practicable, to designate as polling places only places which are accessible to the disabled. Where this is not possible, grants are available to returning officers towards the purchase of temporary ramps. Permanent adaptations to improve access for disabled people to buildings used by the public are the responsibility of the owners of the buildings. Returning officers' fees are not a suitable means of providing assistance towards such adaptations.