Independent Living Fund Scotland marks 10th
anniversary with over 1,000 new applicants.
More than 1,000 disabled people have applied to the Independent
Living Fund (ILF) since it reopened to new applicants last year.
The fund, currently provides ongoing funding for 2,418 disabled
people with complex needs. It empowers them to take part in
hobbies and leisure activities, undertake work or education and
participate fully in their communities.
Backed by £75.6 million of Scottish Government investment,
including £20 million to grow the Fund since its reopening in
April 2024, ILF has received 1,052 applications from local
authorities and aims to support 1,400 people by the end of this
financial year.
Speaking on a visit to Upward Mobility to meet grant recipients,
Social Care Minister said:
"Reopening the Independent Living Fund was a key commitment made
by this Government and a huge step forward in our mission to
support disabled people with the most complex needs. The fund is
about more than just financial support. It's about enabling
people to live with dignity, choice and control over their own
lives. Seeing more than 1,000 applications since the fund
reopened is a powerful testament to the demand and the need for
this vital support.”
Research shows that ILF funding reduces residential care
admissions and crisis interventions, while enhancing Health and
Social Care capacity. Recent evaluations of the impact of
the ILF have shown that every £1 invested generates up to £13 in
social value through the improvements in health and independence
it delivers.
Sophie Dow, whose daughter receives funding from the Independent
Living Fund, said:
“The Independent Living Fund is indeed all about dignity, choice
and importantly flexibility. Not a common combination to find in
the world of disability support. Thanks to ILF, my daughter Annie
(34) is now able to attend two art classes per week as well as
plan her first holiday away from us her parents.
“The collaboration with ILF to prepare our application was joyous
– we were met with warmth, understanding, consideration and very
constructive suggestions of how we could all help to improve
Annie's daily life and weekly structure.
“Annie and I very much enjoyed telling Social Care Minister
all about it!”
ILF Scotland Board Chair, Anne-Marie Monaghan said:
“All of us at ILF Scotland are delighted that the Fund has
re-opened to new applicants for the first time in many
years. We see every day the enormous positive impact ILF has
on the lives of those who receive it. We feel privileged to
be able to offer this life transforming service to our most
disabled citizens now and in the years ahead.”
Background
Social Return on
Investment Evaluation
Applications to the Independent
Living Fund should be submitted by local authority social
work departments on behalf of disabled people in Scotland.
The Independent Living Fund Scotland administers funding for
disabled people in Scotland and Northern Ireland. The
organisation is funded by the Scottish Government and Department
of Health in Northern Ireland.
