Local Elections 2023

Shaun_71
Shaun_71 Online Community Member Posts: 14 Listener
in Everyday life
Aware that this year's local elections in May are becoming ever more imminent, it gave me cause to consider how those with health conditions and disabilities are still very much under-represented, despite this being the 3rd decade of the 21st century.

With this in mind, would anyone within the scope community know whether individuals on ESA and PIP can put themselves forward as a candidate for the role of local councillor - or would there be any form of push back/hassle from the DWP? 


Kind regards.

Comments

  • rebel11
    rebel11 Online Community Member Posts: 1,687 Pioneering
    I personally don't see why not, people who get ESA and PIP do work, limited hours, although how many hours does a Councillor work? 


  • Shaun_71
    Shaun_71 Online Community Member Posts: 14 Listener
    Thank you, rebel11.

    I don't think there is a definite amount of hours attach to the role of councillor; the level of time and commitment is determined.by the individual.

    I receive PIP and income-related ESA, so I wanted affirmation that I would be fine to put my name forward as a candidate.

    Thanks again.
  • durhamjaide2001
    durhamjaide2001 Scope Member Posts: 13,809 Championing
    I think there definitely should be more disabilied people in power and there's not enough people in the role of power with a disability and I want to change that. 
  • Shaun_71
    Shaun_71 Online Community Member Posts: 14 Listener
    Absolutely.

    Yes, and it appears those with mental health conditions find it particularly difficult to get their voice heard.

    Although, that isn't to say those with physical health conditions have adequate representation either.


    Kind regards.
  • 2oldcodgers
    2oldcodgers Posts: 739 Connected
    Shaun_71 said:
    Thank you, rebel11.

    I don't think there is a definite amount of hours attach to the role of councilor; the level of time and commitment is determined.by the individual.

    I receive PIP and income-related ESA, so I wanted affirmation that I would be fine to put my name forward as a candidate.

    Thanks again.
    For a start, the number of hours you spend being a councilor is up to the individual plus of course there are committees etc and full council meetings that you are expected to attend. All in all and as a councilor & deputy mayor myself I do not work on a Saturday or Sunday that is unless someone blows up the council offices!
    One day in the week I set aside for evening  committee and council meetings. The rest of the time is up to me and what I am doing.
    I used to be on ESA until I retired 9 years ago and have a 10 year PIP award until 2029 for Enhanced Mobility & Care.
    As you can imagine I work hard in making people understand why pensioners in particular are not claiming all of the benefits that they are entitled to. I myself fall into that category as there are many situations that I never knew existed. 
    If you think that you can make a difference put your name down have it seconded and hand it in. If you have no particular allegiance to a political party put yourself down as an independent.
    Good luck

  • Hannah_Alumni
    Hannah_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,866 Championing
    I'd like to see more representation in politics :)
  • john_taylor
    john_taylor Scope Member Posts: 24 Connected
    I’ve voted by post for a good few years. This is perfect if you need with the voting form. I’m looking for it to go online and then faster and more environmentally friendly. It would be much more disabled friendly.
  • Cartini
    Cartini Online Community Member Posts: 1,107 Trailblazing
    john_taylor said:
    I’ve voted by post for a good few years. This is perfect if you need with the voting form. I’m looking for it to go online and then faster and more environmentally friendly. It would be much more disabled friendly.
    In your context, yes. But there are disabled people who don`t, or can`t, use computers so postal is good for them.

  • john_taylor
    john_taylor Scope Member Posts: 24 Connected
    The disability charities such as scope need to get involved to find a long term solution.
  • Stellar
    Stellar Online Community Member Posts: 270 Empowering
    not gonna happen unless you're a tory or blairite bootlicker (and hence support policies that oppress disabled people). cause otherwise you'll get forced out or excluded in some way, whether by other politicans or your so-called allies. if you're on the political left, you are not welcome in UK politics.

    you're better off taking to the streets in protests and other forms of direct action. anything else will be irrelevant and ineffective at this point. That includes petitions, letter writing campaigns and social media activism, especially given the real threat of fascism in this country.

    uk politics is a lost cause.

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