Around 1,000 disabled people in Scotland who are supported by the Independent Living Fund (ILF) will now pay a significantly reduced contribution, following a very welcome announcement today from the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport, Jeane Freeman.
Individuals currently pay a weekly amount towards the cost of their ILF Scotland funded care and support. For many recipients of the fund this contribution will now be greatly reduced.
Susan Douglas Scott, Chair of the Board for ILF Scotland, stated: “We are delighted to hear this announcement from the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport.
“This will make a huge difference to the lives of so many disabled people. We know that the pandemic has had a negative impact on their lives, so this announcement is some good news that will provide them with more financial freedom to help them live the lives they choose.
The commitment is a significant step towards our ambition to remove all available income contribution payments from disabled people in receipt of the Independent Living Fund.”
Dr Jim Elder-Woodward, Chair of ILF Scotland’s Recipient Advisory Group, remarked: “This is yet another significant milestone along the road to free social care support; an essential element to securing our right to independent living and social citizenship.”
Jeane Freeman, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport said: “We’re committed to ensuring that disabled people get the right help to achieve their potential. That is why we are significantly reducing the contribution paid by individuals towards the cost of their ILF Scotland funded care and support, from a maximum charge of £83 to £43 per week. This reduction will benefit almost 1,000 disabled people in receipt of the fund, helping them continue to live independently in their homes and to participate in their local communities.”
