6. What measures will the Minister introduce to increase the diversity of local councillors? OAQ53228

The forthcoming local government and elections Bill will introduce several measures to further encourage diversity, such as enabling job sharing by executive members. 

Thank you very much, Minister. People with disabilities are likely to face greater costs when seeking elected office due to their disabilities. Last month, the UK Government launched an interim fund to help with disability-related expenses to encourage and support people to stand in elections. The EnAble fund for elected office will run until 2020 and will cater for candidates for the local and police commissioner elections in England. What consideration has the Minister given to introducing a similar scheme in Wales to empower more people with disabilities to stand for election to represent their communities in Wales, please?

We are about to introduce into the Assembly the local government and elections Bill, and the Llywydd is very interested, I know, in the one for the Assembly. We'd be very happy to have discussions about any scheme that enables any broader diversity of Members to come forward, from wherever that comes, and as part of the discussions as we take the Bill through its committee stages, I'd be more than happy to engage with the Member about any other provisions that he thinks might do just that.