Disabled people and their representative organisations have long campaigned for the re-opening of the Independent Living Fund (ILF), and in September 2023 we received the news that it would re-open in Scotland next year.
First Minister Humza Yousaf, MSP, announced in his first Programme for Government in September that the fund would re-open on a phased basis, with an initial £9 million in the financial year 2024-25.
This will enable up to 1,000 additional disabled people with the most complex needs to access the support they need and deserve to live independent lives.
To prepare for re-opening for applications in April 2024, ILF Scotland staff are working with disabled people, their representative organisations, the Scottish Government and other key stakeholders on the co-production of the re-opened fund.
We have established a Co-Production Working Group who met for the first time in October 2023. This advisory group includes disabled people, carers, disabled people's organisations (DPOs) and representatives of ILF Scotland, the Scottish Government and health and social care statutory partners.
The Working Group is co-chaired by Iain MacAllister, Deputy Director, Scottish Government, Directorate for Social Care & NCS Development, and Peter Scott, Chief Executive of ILF Scotland.
The Group meet every two weeks to help develop the policies for a re-opened ILF. They consider the access principles of application, the relationship with social work, management of ILF awards and stakeholder engagement.
In February 2024, they will offer recommendations on the policies for the re-opened ILF to the Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport, and will ensure the involvement of disabled people and other key stakeholders in the co-production process.
Co-Production Meeting 1 - Minutes - Tuesday 24 October, 2023
Co-Production Meeting 2 - Minutes - Tuesday 7 November 2023
Co-Production Meeting 3 - Minutes - Wednesday 22 November 2023
We are hosting a number of co-production events, in person and online, to gather views and help shape the re-opened ILF.
You can book your free place at an event and have your say.
When you book your place, please tell us about any accessibility requirements and any additional support needs that you have for the event.
We will cover the cost of reasonable travel and PA support. Please keep your receipts for travel expenses and speak to us on the day about how to be reimbursed for these costs. If you need support to book your travel, please let us know.
Do you have a question about the re-opened fund? Have a look at our Frequently Asked Questions and see if it's been answered.
The feedback from the co-production events will be fed back to the Co-Production Working Group.
Work will continue over the coming months on the policy framework and developing the processes and procedures that will inform the applicant journey.
The most up-to-date information on the re-opening of ILF will be posted on this page and on our social media channels.
