Disabled residents in Abergavenny who are considering standing as candidates in next year’s local elections could be helped by a new pilot scheme from Welsh government.

The fund could cover the costs for sign language interpreters, taxi fares or equipment.

The Access to Elected Office Fund - managed by Disability Wales - is now open to support individuals for next year’s local government elections who may need extra help to run for office.

With 1,254 councillors elected to 22 principal councils across Wales, the fund aims to increase diversity and address the current under-representation of disabled people in public life at all levels.

In addition to support for council candidates, the pilot is also available for those seeking election to community and town councils in the 2022 local government elections - amounting to 735 community and town councils, with over 8,000 councillors.

The expansion of the fund will provide a greater number of opportunities for disabled people to achieve their aim of participating in local democracy to support their communities.

The fund will cover additional costs such as equipment, training, travel and communication support workers such as British Sign Language and other interpreters.Disabled people interested in applying to the Fund should read the information on the Disability Wales website or email Disability Wales at [email protected] for further information.