Jayne Bryant, MS, Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government
On Tuesday, Members voted in favour of the Welsh Elections Financial Assistance Scheme (Disabled Candidates) Regulations 2025. This marks an important step in fulfilling the Welsh Ministers’ duty under the Elections and Elected Bodies (Wales) Act 2024 to provide for a scheme of financial assistance to help candidates in a Welsh election overcome barriers to participation.
Recognising that disabled candidates often face additional, unavoidable costs—such as accessible transport, specialist equipment, or personal support—the scheme aims to remove barriers and promote equal opportunity. These regulations and the scheme which is established as a result, align with our Draft Disabled People’s Rights Plan for 2025 to 2035, which is currently being consulted on.
Key features of the scheme include:
- Independent Administration: The scheme will be operated by Disability Wales, ensuring impartiality and confidentiality.
- Social Model of Disability: This approach will guide the type of support offered, focusing on removing barriers rather than defining limitations.
- Comprehensive Support: From identifying needs to funding approved adjustments, the scheme will assist candidates throughout the election period—from nomination to the announcement of results.
The scheme opens for applications on 1st September 2025 and includes:
- Help identifying necessary support.
- Assistance with completing applications.
- Fair assessment of requests to ensure equity.
- Provision of approved funding or services.
This initiative reflects a shared commitment to breaking down barriers and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate fully in public life. Members are encouraged to help raise awareness of the scheme so that as many eligible individuals as possible can benefit