Update on the current situation with the Independent Living Fund (ILF)
You may be aware that, on 6 March 2014, the Government announced that the ILF will close on 30 June 2015. From this date, responsibility to meet the support needs of ILF users will be passed to local authorities in England and the devolved administrations in Scotland and Wales. Funding for ILF users in Northern Ireland is currently the responsibility of the Department for Social Development.
We have therefore started a new programme of activity, similar to the transfer review programme we were previously undertaking. These are designed to review the needs of our users and make preparations for their transfer on 30 June 2015.
We have written to all our users to explain this to them and a copy of the letter and the information sheet can be seen on our website. We are aware that this new position may cause concern for our users and stakeholders and we will continue to support our users to try and minimise this concern. We have also been in touch with local authorities, to discuss the detail of the new programme with them.
ILF users will continue to be supported until June 2015 as long as they continue to meet our eligibility criteria. We will continue to maintain user awards and are focused on maintaining excellent customer services.
If we can assist in answering any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Sarah Roach
Communications Officer (Events and Publications)
Independent Living Fund
Equinox House, Island Business Quarter,
City Link, Nottingham, NG2 4LA
Phone: 0115 945 0737
Website: www.dwp.gov.uk/ilf/