Independent Living Fund - a hint of optimism.

Many disabled people get funding from the Independent Living Fund in addition to the funding that they get from the local authority. In June 2010 the ILF closed its doors to new applicants and since then there has been doubt as to whether the ILF will continue for people who are already getting money from them.
There is now a bit of optimism - it will be kept for now, but watch out for future consultations!

Update for ILF in reform of public bodies proposals

4 April 2011

On 16 March 2011, the Cabinet Office issued an updated list of proposed reforms for public bodies.
The proposal for the Independent Living Fund (ILF) has been changed to  'Retained - consultation later in the year will determine how best to support ILF customers beyond this Parliament'.
This new proposal for the ILF is a clear progression from that given in the list of proposed reforms published on 14 October 2010, which said 'Under consideration - options still being considered'.
The ILF's position is in line with the statement made by the Minister for Disabled People on 13 December 2010. The Minister said that consultation about the future of the ILF would take place after the Commission on Funding of Care and Support publishes its findings this summer.
The Minister also said that the budget to support existing ILF users would be protected throughout this Parliament and would remain closed to new applicants.
The proposal for ILF is on page 35 of the updated list of public bodies (Cabinet Office website)
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/ilf/news/#update