Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities is taking to address the High Court judgment of 3 May 2019 which found the arrangements for (1) blind, and (2) partially sighted, voters were unlawful.

The changes in the Elections Bill aim to strengthen the support for all voters with disabilities in the polling station, including those that are blind or partially sighted, and to improve the way that this support is delivered. Rather than a blanket provision, we want voters with any form of disability to get the support that is right for them and for Returning Officers to tailor their approach to suit the needs of disabled electors in their area - including blind and partially sighted voters.

We are working with the Electoral Commission to support guidance being produced to assist Returning Officers in carrying out their new duty. Whilst greater emphasis will be placed on meeting local disabled electors’ needs, including those who are blind and partially sighted, in a way which is tailored and targeted to their individual needs, the guidance will set clear baseline expectations and standards to support equal access to equipment and resources.

The 2019 Judicial Review showed that the existing legislation is no longer fit for purpose and the changes in the Elections Bill will address this.