Issue - meetings

The Board received a report from the Strategic Director, People and Economy, which updated them on the closure of the Independent Living Fund (ILF) and the progress of the project group established to undertake a reassessment of all ILF recipients prior to 30 June 2015.

Members were advised that after an independent review in 2007, the Government acknowledged that the ILF system was inequitable for people and operated outside of care systems operated by the Local Authorities.  Subsequently it was decided to close the ILF on 30 June 2015 with the ILF users being transferred to the management of the Local Authority.  It was noted that an attrition rate of 5% was applied to the overall costs that the Council would receive.

To assist this process, a project team was established to review the 51 ILF recipients which was completed before the transfer date.  Based on the reviews, statistical information had been calculated and was provided under paragraph 3.6 of the report. 

The report also went on to advise that there were no indications from Government regarding the ongoing funding of these packages for 2016-17 and beyond or whether further attrition rates would be applied.  If further funding was not received, the cost to Halton Council to continue to support people at the current levels of care was a concern for Members, as was the impact that this would have on the Complex Care pooled budget.

RESOLVED:  That the Policy and Performance Board receives the ILF update report and the contents be noted.