More concerns over the Independent Living Fund
Fresh from the concerns earlier this year over the restriction of new applications to the Independent Living Fund to those in work, it now seems the whole future of the fund is in doubt.
As part of the review of governmental spending, the question of whether the fund should remain with the DWP. At first sight this makes sense as the ILF is a legacy fund which was set up as part of an ad hoc development of community care. However one of the suggested solutions is a nightmare!
First the sufficient money will be transferred to local authorities to administer on the basis of existing applicants
Second the money will be ring fenced for 4-5 years
Third as existing applicants surrender their claims then the money will be retained by the government gradually reducing the value of the scheme
Fourth at the end of the ring fencing period then the fund will cease and local authorities will be expected to make alternative provision.
Huge financial pressures will be placed on local authorities - individuals will lose an important element of control over their lives - services will be reduced and many vulnerable people will lose out. Over a third of ILF applicants have a severe learning disability. About £61 million will be stolen from vulnderable adults in Scotland and there will be untold consequences on their services and support structures.
We urge you now to write to David Cameron at 10 Downing Street or Iain Duncan Smith at the Department of Work & Pensions. Download a draft letter here