PRESS RELEASE: Independent Living Fund ruling – LCiL responds

Published: November 6, 2013

LCiL welcomes the decision by the court of appeal to overturn the  government’s decision to abolish the Independent Living Fund 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Five disabled people who took the case to the court have had appeal judges back their case by claiming it has breached equality duty by failing to properly assess impact of abolishing fund.

The fund at present provides essential money to disabled people with very severe impairments so they can live an ordinary life –for example  money to cover the cost of overnight carers for those who have care needs round the clock; for social activity; and for people to remain or become involved in their local community, which ‘critical and substantial’ social care provision from local authorities does not cover.

This comes a week after the Scottish Government have closed their own consultation on what to do with the ILF money after it closes in 2015.  LCiL have consulted many disabled people in Edinburgh and the Lothians and have submitted two responses to the consultation, one on behalf of disabled people who discussed the issues at an event and another on behalf of the organisation. Both can be read in full on our E-library at: https://www.lothiancil.org.uk/lcil-response-to-independent-living-fund-consultation/

One disabled person said this about the ILF money they receive:

‘Quite frankly, I would die.  I’m ventilated 24/7.  I need the support.  Although, I shouldn’t really have to receive ILF.  The LA or health should fund this type of care.  To be less dramatic, I would have to go into residential care if I didn’t have ILF.’ 

Since 2012 the fund has been closed to new applications meaning that many disabled people have had no access to support towards living more independent lives as non-disabled people do. 

LCiL works with disabled people so they can have choice and control over how support/care is provided to them in their communities and in order for them to gain independence in their own lives. To see the range of services we offer visit our website at: www.lothiancil.org.uk

Now that this development has come about we await eagerly to hear what next steps are announced.

For more information please contact Information and Communications Coordinator Kirstie Henderson on 0131 475 2350 or email: Kirstie.henderson@lothiancil.org.uk

Read the briefing note from the solicitors representing the case here: 13_11_06 ILF Briefing Note 06 11 2013 (1)

And their press release: 13_11_06 ILF Press release

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