A Consultation on the future use of resources devolved following the UK Government's decision to close the Independent Living Fund

Background

The ILF was set up in 1988. Its aim was to give money to people with disabilities so they could live in the community rather than in residential care.

The ILF is one example of the support that has contributed to disabled people being able to live independent lives.

In December 2010 the ILF was closed to new applicants. This was to make sure that the people who already got money from the ILF could keep their level of funding.

In 2012 the ILF gave over £55 million to 3204 people in Scotland.

The closure of the ILF will be disappointing for some people. But it is also a chance to set up a new system that is best for Scotland in the future.

People who currently get ILF

The Scottish Government know how important ILF is to the people who get it.

For some people, getting money from the ILF is the difference between having a job and not having a job.

It can be the difference between being independent and being dependent on others to give care and support.

Case Study

"Without ILF I would have to plan everything in advance, I would get out less and my friendships would break down."

Abby is 23. She has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. She needs 24 hour support to live independently.

Abby left home when she was 18 and lives on her own. Without ILF funding she would still live with her parents or in residential care.

Her local authority package does not cover sleepovers. Her ILF money gives her another 21 hours of support on top of her care package. The extra support ILF gives Abby means she can live an independent life.

Unfairness in the ILF

People who get money from the ILF are clear about the difference the fund has made to their lives.

Since the ILF closed to new applicants some people do not have access to the type of support it offers. They might not be living their lives as independently as they would like to.

Case Study

Catherine has a visual impairment and severe learning disabilities. She does not get ILF because it is closed to new applicants.

Colin is partially sighted and has learning difficulties. He gets support from his local authority and gets money from the ILF.

There is little difference between Colin and Catherine's day to day care needs. The main difference between them is that Colin gets ILF and Catherine does not.

Question 1

What parts of the current Independent Living Fund worked well?

What parts did not work well?

Question 2

When people no longer receive ILF, how should the money then be spent?

Should it be spent in the same way?