EQIA: Policy 41 - Use of ILF Scotland Funding

In completing this EQIA you should be ensuring the needs of diverse groups of people are thought about when developing and implementing a new policy, procedure or service or a change to existing ones. Please consider the protected groups in line with the Equality Act 2010 and other diverse groups who may be impacted.

Name of Activity: Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) for Policy 41 - Use of ILF Scotland Funding
Name of person completing EQIA: Jill Fotheringham
Date EQIA completed: 30/07/26

What type of activity are you planning?

Change to Policy: Yes
Change to Procedure: No
Change to Service: No
Change to Office Plan / Budget: No
Project: No
Event: No

1. Describe the main aim or purpose of what it is you are planning to do?

Revisions to Policy 41 to refresh the policy language and provide additional guidance for Coming Home Recipients. The revised policy allows ILF Scotland, on a case-by-case basis, to fund support, services or items that would normally be the responsibility of the HSCP or another statutory body where this is necessary to support independent living outcomes and prevent inappropriate placements, delayed discharge from hospital or support breakdown.

2. Who is likely to be affected by this policy, service or charge?

Coming Home Recipients, unpaid carers, Health and Social Care Partnerships, and ILF Scotland staff.

3. Do you have enough information to know what the potential impact might be on diverse groups and what that might look like?

The protected characteristics to consider are: Age, Disability, Sex, Race, Religion or Belief, Gender Reassignment, Sexual Orientation, Marriage and Civil Partnership, Pregnancy and Maternity. It will also be helpful to consider these groups more widely in relation to their socio-economic status that includes such factors as educational attainment, occupation, income, wealth and social deprivation.

Please mark as Yes or No. If yes use the Comments column to describe what the potential impact is. What are your sources of evidence?

(Try to think about both positive and negative impacts. There are lots of sources of data to help answer this question. Diversity Networks, the Diversity Report or Diversity & Inclusion team may offer some useful information. Previously completed EQIAs may also offer answers to questions you may have).

Age: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Disability: Yes
Comments: The policy change may have a positive impact on disabled people by providing greater flexibility in how ILF Scotland funding can be used to support independent living outcomes. The changes may assist people to move from inappropriate out of area placements, avoid delayed discharge from hospital and reduce the risk of community support breaking down. The policy supports choice, control and participation in community life.

Gender Reassignment: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Marriage and Civil Partnership: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Pregnancy and Maternity: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Race: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Sex: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Sexual Orientation: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Is there evidence of any impact on other groups not covered by the protected characteristics? If yes use the Comments column to describe what the potential impact is, what you could do to remove / reduce any negative impact and what you could do to benefit from any positive impact.

(For example, carer status, single parent, economic exclusion. It is important not to limit your thinking to just the protected characteristics listed above. The question is broadening the EQIA out to be more inclusive. The impact might be a negative one (e.g. making that decision could decrease the opportunity for some people to participate) or it could be a positive one (e.g. by making that decision, more people are able to take part in the activity).)

The policy may have a positive impact on unpaid carers and families by supporting arrangements that help maintain independent living and avoid unnecessary admissions to hospital or other care settings.

4. Have you consulted with the relevant internal or external groups? Or have you gathered evidence to help you understand the potential impact on different groups? What sources have you used to gather information?

If there are any gaps in information that make it difficult or impossible to form an opinion on how your policy, service or change might affect different groups of people, please take the time to gather information to help you make an informed answer (for example, review statistics, survey results, complaints analysis, consultation documents, customer feedback, existing briefings submissions or business reports, comparative policies from external sources and other Government Departments etc).

Policy revisions were informed by engagement through engagement events for disabled people and their families and for professionals, Scottish Government and other statutory partners involved in Health and Social Care, the ILF Scotland Advisory Group, the ILF Re‑Opening Co‑Production Group, which includes representatives from Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) and other third sector partners.

The Coming Home policy amendments have been developed with input from:

Two engagement events with the public were held on 25 May 2026 and 26 May 2026.

Information about these events was widely shared across our social media platforms, on our website, with Disability People’s Organisations.

Details contained in the Coming Home Action Plan 2026 - gov.scot

5. Having analysed the relevant sources of information, what does the evidence tell you? Is there any evidence that the proposed changes will have an adverse equality impact on any of these groups of people?

Age: No
Disability: No
Gender Reassignment: No
Marriage and Civil Partnership: No
Pregnancy and Maternity: No
Race: No
Religion or Belief: No
Sexual Orientation: No
Care Experienced: No

6. Please provide details of who the proposals affect, the adverse impacts and explain how you will minimise or remove the adverse impact.

No adverse impacts noted.

7. Is there any evidence that the proposed changes will have a positive impact on any of these different groups of people and / or promote equality of opportunity? Please provide details of which group / groups benefits from the positive impacts. and how this will be promoted / evaluated.

Age: No
Disability: Yes
Gender Reassignment: No
Marriage and Civil Partnership: No
Pregnancy and Maternity: No
Race: No
Religion or Belief: No
Sexual Orientation: No
Care Experienced: Yes

The revised policy may advance equality of opportunity for disabled people by providing greater flexibility to address barriers to independent living. The changes may help people access support that enables them to live in their communities, maintain relationships, participate in community life and exercise greater choice and control over how they live.

The policy may have a positive impact on care experienced people who have limited family or informal support networks. The increased flexibility within the policy may help reduce barriers to independent living and support community-based living arrangements.

The policy supports ILF Scotland's commitment to a human rights approach and the right to independent living as set out in Article 19 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The changes may help disabled people live independently and be included in their communities by providing additional flexibility to address barriers that would otherwise prevent this.

The policy changes are expected to have a positive impact on disabled people and support independent living outcomes. No negative equality impacts have been identified. The revisions provide greater flexibility for Coming Home Recipients while remaining consistent with ILF Scotland's commitment to independent living, choice, control and human rights.

8. Provide a final summary of the commitments / actions you will take as a result of completing this EQIA. Who will you consult with on your action plan and how will you do this to ensure the relevant stakeholders understand the equality impact?

The policy revisions for Coming Home promote equality of opportunity by:

No negative equality impacts have been identified. The policy changes provide greater flexibility for Coming Home Recipients and support disabled people to achieve independent living outcomes. The revisions strengthen choice, control and participation in community life, while supporting ILF Scotland's commitment to a human rights-based approach and the right to independent living.

9. Have you a plan in place to review your actions? Please provide a summary. Will plan require sign off and from where?

Policy revisions and the practical impact on will be monitored and reviewed the ILF Coming Home team delivery. We will continue to consult with Re‑Opening Co‑Production Group, Scottish Government and statutory partners. We will seek feedback from Coming Home recipients.

This plan is signed off by: Linda Scot
Title: Director of Policy, Improvement & Engagement
Date: 3 August 2026

EQIA: Policy 36 - Short Term Support

In completing this EQIA you should be ensuring the needs of diverse groups of people are thought about when developing and implementing a new policy, procedure or service or a change to existing ones. Please consider the protected groups in line with the Equality Act 2010 and other diverse groups who may be impacted.

Name of Activity: Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) for Policy 36 - Short Term Support
Name of person completing EQIA: Jill Fotheringham
Date EQIA completed: 31 July 2026

What type of activity are you planning?

Change to Policy: Yes
Change to Procedure: No
Change to Service: No
Change to Office Plan / Budget: No
Project: No
Event: No

1. Describe the main aim or purpose of what it is you are planning to do?

Revisions to Policy 36 by changing the policy name from Short Term Care to Short Term Support and refreshing the policy language. The revised policy also includes additional guidance relating to Coming Home Recipients, fluctuating support needs and circumstances where ILF Scotland may provide temporary funding to support independent living outcomes.

2. Who is likely to be affected by this policy, service or change?

All ILF Scotland Recipients, including Coming Home Recipients, their carers, Award Managers and ILF Scotland staff.

3. Do you have enough information to know what the potential impact might be on diverse groups and what that might look like?

The protected characteristics to consider are: Age, Disability, Sex, Race, Religion or Belief, Gender Reassignment, Sexual Orientation, Marriage and Civil Partnership, Pregnancy and Maternity. It will also be helpful to consider these groups more widely in relation to their socio-economic status that includes such factors as educational attainment, occupation, income, wealth and social deprivation.

Please mark as Yes or No. If yes use the Comments column to describe what the potential impact is. What are your sources of evidence?

(Try to think about both positive and negative impacts. There are lots of sources of data to help answer this question. Diversity Networks, the Diversity Report or Diversity & Inclusion team may offer some useful information. Previously completed EQIAs may also offer answers to questions you may have).

Age: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Disability: Yes
Comments: The changes may have a positive impact on disabled people by providing clearer guidance on the use of ILF Scotland funding during periods of short-term support need. The revised policy provides additional flexibility for Coming Home Recipients whose support needs fluctuate and may help support independent living outcomes.

Gender Reassignment: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Marriage and Civil Partnership: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Pregnancy and Maternity: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Race: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Religion or belief: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Sex: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Sexual orientation: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Is there evidence of any impact on other groups not covered by the protected characteristics? If yes use the Comments column to describe what the potential impact is, what you could do to remove/reduce any negative impact and what you could do to benefit from any positive impact.

(For example, carer status, single parent, economic exclusion. It is important not to limit your thinking just to the protected characteristics listed above. This question is broadening the EQIA out to be more inclusive. The impact might be a negative one (e.g. making that decision could decrease the opportunity for some people to participate) or it could be a positive one (e.g. by making that decision, more people are able to take part in the activity).)

The policy may have a positive impact on unpaid carers by clarifying arrangements relating to respite, temporary support arrangements and breaks from caring responsibilities

4. Have you consulted with the relevant internal or external groups? Or have you gathered evidence to help you understand the potential impact on different groups? What sources have you used to gather information?

If there are any gaps in information that make it difficult or impossible to form an opinion on how your policy, service or change might affect different groups of people, please take the time to gather information to help you make an informed answer (for example, review statistics, survey results, complaints analysis, consultation documents, customer feedback, existing briefings submissions or business reports, comparative policies from external sources and other Government Departments etc).

Policy revisions were informed by engagement through engagement events for disabled people and their families and for professionals, Scottish Government and other statutory partners involved in Health and Social Care, the ILF Scotland Advisory Group, the ILF Re‑Opening Co‑Production Group, which includes representatives from Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) and other third sector partners.

The Coming Home policy amendments have been developed with input from:

Two engagement events with the public were held on 25 May 2026 and 26 May 2026.

Information about these events was widely shared across our social media platforms, on our website, with Disability People’s Organisations.

Details contained in the Coming Home Action Plan 2026 - gov.scot

5. Having analysed the relevant sources of information, what does the evidence tell you? Is there any evidence that the proposed changes will have an adverse equality impact on any of these different groups of people?

Age: No
Disability: No
Gender Reassignment: No
Marriage and Civil Partnership: No
Pregnancy and Maternity: No
Race: No
Religion or belief: No
Sex: No
Sexual orientation: No

6. Please provide details of who the proposals affect, the adverse impacts and explain how you will minimise or remove the adverse impact.

No adverse impacts noted.

7. Is there any evidence that the proposed changes will have a positive impact on any of these groups of people and / or promote equality of opportunity? Please provide details of which group / groups might benefit from the positive impacts and how you intend to promote and evaluate any benefit.

Age: No

Disability: Yes

Gender Reassignment: No

Marriage and Civil Partnership: No

Pregnancy and Maternity: No

Race: No

Religion or belief: No

Sex: No

Sexual Orientation: No

Care Experienced: Potential

The revised policy may advance equality of opportunity for disabled people by supporting flexibility in how ILF Scotland funding is used to meet short-term support needs. The changes support disabled people to maintain independent living, choice and control during periods of changing circumstances or fluctuating support needs.

The policy applies equally to all recipients. However, the flexibility available through short-term support arrangements may benefit some care experienced people in the Coming Home cohort who have limited informal support networks

8. Provide a final summary of the commitments / actions you will take as a result of completing this EQIA. Who will you consult with on your action plan and how will you do this to ensure the relevant stakeholders understand the equality impact?

The policy revisions for Coming Home promote equality of opportunity by:

No negative equality impacts have been identified. The revisions clarify existing policy, introduce more inclusive language through the change from Short Term Care to Short Term Support, and provide additional flexibility for Coming Home Recipients and people with fluctuating support needs.

9. Have you a plan in place to review your actions? Please provide a summary. Will plan require sign off and from where?

Policy revisions and the practical impact on will be monitored and reviewed the ILF Coming Home team delivery. We will continue to consult with Re‑Opening Co‑Production Group, Scottish Government and statutory partners. We will seek feedback from Coming Home recipients.

This plan is signed off by: Linda Scott
Title: Director of Policy, Improvement & Engagement
Date: 3 August 2026

EQIA: Policy 26 - Managing an ILF Award

In completing this EQIA you should be ensuring the needs of diverse groups of people are thought about when developing and implementing a new policy, procedure or service or a change to existing ones. Please consider the protected groups in line with the Equality Act 2010 and other diverse groups who may be impacted.

Name of Activity: Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) for Policy 26
Name of person completing EQIA: Jill Fotheringham
Date EQIA completed: 30/7/2026

What type of activity are you planning?

Change to Policy: Yes
Change to Procedure: No
Change to Service: No
Change to Office Plan / Budget: No
Project: No
Event: No

1. Describe the main aim or purpose of what it is you are planning to do?

Revisions to Policy 26 to allow a responsible person identified by the local authority / Health and Social Care Partnership and agreed by ILF Scotland to act as Award Manager where a Recipient is unable to manage the award themselves and there is no suitable family member, attorney, guardian, controller or organisation available to undertake the role. Also, some minor wording changes to improve clarity.

2. Who is likely to be affected by this policy, service or change?

All ILF Scotland recipients who require an Award Manager and any person acting, or potentially acting, in that role.

3. Do you have enough information to know what the potential impact might be on diverse groups and what that might look like?

The protected characteristics to consider are: Age, Disability, Sex, Race, Religion or Belief, Gender Reassignment, Sexual Orientation, Marriage and Civil Partnership, Pregnancy and Maternity. It will also be helpful to consider these groups more widely in relation to their socio-economic status that includes such factors as educational attainment, occupation, income, wealth and social deprivation.
Please mark as Yes or No. If yes use the Comments column to describe what the potential impact is. What are your sources of evidence?

(Try to think about both positive and negative impacts. There are lots of sources of data to help answer this question. Diversity Networks, the Diversity Report or Diversity & Inclusion team may offer some useful information. Previously completed EQIAs may also offer answers to questions you may have).

Age: Yes
Comments: Award Managers may be older parents or family carers. The change may reduce pressure on some family members where another suitable responsible person can be identified and agreed to undertake the role.

Disability: Yes
This change may have a positive impact on disabled people who are unable to manage their own award and do not have a suitable family member, attorney, guardian, controller or organisation available to act on their behalf. The addition of a responsible person provides greater flexibility and may prevent a Recipient from being disadvantaged or unable to access ILF Scotland funding because there is no suitable Award Manager available. This supports independent living outcomes.

Gender Reassignment: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Marriage and Civil Partnership: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Pregnancy and Maternity: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Race: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Religion or belief: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Sex: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Sexual orientation: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Is there evidence of any impact on other groups not covered by the protected characteristics? If yes use the Comments column to describe what the potential impact is, what you could do to remove/reduce any negative impact and what you could do to benefit from any positive impact.

(For example, carer status, single parent, economic exclusion. It is important not to limit your thinking just to the protected characteristics listed above. This question is broadening the EQIA out to be more inclusive. The impact might be a negative one (e.g. making that decision could decrease the opportunity for some people to participate) or it could be a positive one (e.g. by making that decision, more people are able to take part in the activity).)

The change may have a positive impact on unpaid carers and families by providing an additional option for managing an award where there is no suitable informal or formal representative available.

4. Have you consulted with the relevant groups (these could be internal and/or external) or gathered evidence for you to know the potential impact on these different groups affected? What sources have you used to gather information?

If there are any gaps in information that make it difficult or impossible to form an opinion on how your policy, service or change might affect different groups of people, please take the time to gather information to help you make an informed answer (for example, review statistics, survey results, complaints analysis, consultation documents, customer feedback, existing briefings submissions or business reports, comparative policies from external sources and other Government Departments etc).

Policy revisions were informed by engagement through engagement events for disabled people and their families and for professionals, Scottish Government and other statutory partners involved in Health and Social Care, the ILF Scotland Advisory Group, the ILF Re‑Opening Co‑Production Group, which includes representatives from Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) and other third sector partners.

The Coming Home policy amendments have been developed with input from:

Two engagement events with the public were held on 25 May 2026 and 26 May 2026.

Information about these events was widely shared across our social media platforms, on our website, with Disability People’s Organisations.

Details contained in the Coming Home Action Plan 2026 - gov.scot

5. Having analysed the relevant sources of information, what does the evidence tell you? Is there any evidence that the proposed changes will have an adverse equality impact on any of these different groups of people?

Age: No
Disability: No
Gender Reassignment: No
Marriage and Civil Partnership: No
Pregnancy and Maternity: No
Race: No
Religion or belief: No
Sex: No
Sexual orientation: No

6. Please provide details of who the proposals affect, the adverse impacts and explain how you will minimise or remove the adverse impact.

No adverse impacts noted.

7. Is there any evidence that the proposed changes will have a positive impact on any of these different groups of people and / or promote equality of opportunity? Please provide details of which group / groups benefits from the positive impacts. and how this will be promoted / evaluated.

Age: No
Disability: Yes
Gender Reassignment: No
Marriage and Civil Partnership: No
Pregnancy and Maternity: No
Race: No
Religion or belief: No
Sex: No
Sexual orientation: No
Care Experienced: Yes

The change may have a positive impact on unpaid carers and families by providing an additional option for managing an award where there is no suitable informal or formal representative available. The change will also provide an award management option to recipients where there is no suitable family or informal representative available and potentially avoid the restriction of legal powers being necessary.

8. Provide a final summary of the commitments/actions you will take as a result of completing this EQIA. Who will you consult with on your action plan and how will you do this to ensure the relevant stakeholders understand the equality impact?

The policy revisions for Coming Home promote equality of opportunity by:

By allowing a responsible person identified by the HSCP / HSCT and agreed by ILF Scotland to act as Award Manager, the policy removes a potential barrier to accessing ILF funded support. This helps people maintain choice, control and participation in their communities and supports independent living outcomes.

9. Have you a plan in place to review your actions? Please provide a summary. Will plan require sign off and from where.

Policy revisions and the practical impact on will be monitored and reviewed the ILF Coming Home team delivery. We will continue to consult with Re‑Opening Co‑Production Group, Scottish Government and statutory partners. We will seek feedback from Coming Home recipients.

This plan is signed off by: Linda Scot
Title: Director of Policy, Improvement & Engagement
Date: 3 August 2026

EQIA: Policy 24 - Statutory Input to ILF Scotland Funding

In completing this EQIA you should be ensuring the needs of diverse groups of people are thought about when developing and implementing a new policy, procedure or service or a change to existing ones. Please consider the protected groups in line with the Equality Act 2010 and other diverse groups who may be impacted.

Name of Activity: Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) for Policy 24 - Statutory Input to ILF Scotland Funding
Name of person completing EQIA: Jill Fotheringham
Date EQIA completed: 30 July 2026

What type of activity are you planning?

Change to Policy: Yes
Change to Procedure: No
Change to Service: No
Change to Office Plan / Budget: No
Project: No
Event: No

1. Describe the main aim or purpose of what it is you are planning to do?

Policy and wording review. The policy has been updated to include arrangements for Coming Home recipients, including a variable Threshold Sum for individuals on the Red category of the Dynamic Support Register (DSR), and clarification of how ILF Scotland may respond where HSCP contributions change. These changes support independent living and help people move from inappropriate settings or avoid support breakdown.

2. Who is likely to be affected by this policy, service or charge?

Coming Home recipients, Health and Social Care Partnerships (HSCPs) and ILF Scotland staff involved in assessment and decision-making.

3. Do you have enough information to know what the potential impact might be on diverse groups and what that might look like?

The protected characteristics to consider are: Age, Disability, Sex, Race, Religion or Belief, Gender Reassignment, Sexual Orientation, Marriage and Civil Partnership, Pregnancy and Maternity. It will also be helpful to consider these groups more widely in relation to their socio-economic status that includes such factors as educational attainment, occupation, income, wealth and social deprivation.

Please mark as Yes or No. If yes use the Comments column to describe what the potential impact is. What are your sources of evidence?

(Try to think about both positive and negative impacts. There are lots of sources of data to help answer this question. Diversity Networks, the Diversity Report or Diversity & Inclusion team may offer some useful information. Previously completed EQIAs may also offer answers to questions you may have).

Age: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Disability: Yes
Comments: The policy changes provide greater flexibility for Coming Home recipients by allowing an individual Threshold Sum to be agreed where a person is on the Red category of the Dynamic Support Register. The changes support disabled people to move from inappropriate settings, avoid delayed discharge from hospital, and reduce the risk of support breakdown. This helps support the right to independent living and inclusion in the community.

Gender Reassignment: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Marriage and Civil Partnership: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Pregnancy and Maternity: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Race: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Sex: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Sexual Orientation: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Is there evidence of any impact on other groups not covered by the protected characteristics? If yes use the Comments column to describe what the potential impact is, what you could do to remove / reduce any negative impact and what you could do to benefit from any positive impact.

(For example, carer status, single parent, economic exclusion. It is important not to limit your thinking to just the protected characteristics listed above. The question is broadening the EQIA out to be more inclusive. The impact might be a negative one (for example making that decision could decrease the opportunity for some people to participate) or it could be a positive one (for example by making that decision, more people are able to take part in the activity).)

The revisions will benefit disabled people with complex support needs who are eligible for the Coming Home Fund, including those experiencing delayed discharge, inappropriate out-of-area placements, or a risk of support breakdown.

The increased flexibility in funding may have a positive impact for people living in rural or remote areas by enabling tailored solutions where local services are limited and costs high by supporting sustainable independent living in the community.

It is noted that there may be an increase in demand on local community-based support services as more people are supported to move from hospital or inappropriate out-of-area placements into local communities. However, the additional flexibility for Coming Home recipients will help local authorities reduce longer-term reliance on more restrictive and often more costly settings through addressing barriers to discharge and re-direct funding to local services.

4. Have you consulted with the relevant groups (these could be internal and / or external) or gathered evidence for you to know the potential impact on these different groups affected? What sources have you used to gather information?

If there are any gaps in information that make it difficult or impossible to form an opinion on how your policy, service or change might affect different groups of people, please take the time to gather information to help you make an informed answer (for example, review statistics, survey results, complaints analysis, consultation documents, customer feedback, existing briefings submissions or business reports, comparative policies from external sources and other Government Departments etc).

Policy revisions were informed by engagement through engagement events for disabled people and their families and for professionals, Scottish Government and other statutory partners involved in Health and Social Care, the ILF Scotland Advisory Group, the ILF Re‑opening Co‑production Group, which includes representatives from Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) and other third sector partners.

The Coming Home policy amendments have been developed with input from:

Two engagement events with the public were held on 25 May 2026 and 26 May 2026.

Information about these events was widely shared across our social media platforms, on our website, with Disability People’s Organisations.

Details contained in the Coming Home Action Plan 2026 - gov.scot

5. Having analysed the relevant sources of information, what does the evidence tell you? Is there any evidence that the proposed changes will have an adverse equality impact on any of these different groups of people?

Age: No
Disability: No
Gender Reassignment: No
Marriage and Civil Partnership: No
Pregnancy and Maternity: No
Race: No
Religion or Belief: No
Sexual Orientation: No

6. Please provide details of who the proposals affect, the adverse impacts and explain how you will minimise or remove the adverse impact.

No adverse impacts noted.

7. Is there any evidence that the proposed changes will have a positive impact on any of these different groups of people and / or promote equality of opportunity? Please provide details of which group / groups benefits from the positive impacts. and how this will be promoted / evaluated.

Age: No
Disability: Yes, the policy supports disabled people to live independently and be included in their communities by providing greater flexibility for Coming Home recipients.
Gender Reassignment: No
Marriage and Civil Partnership: No
Pregnancy and Maternity: No
Race: No
Religion or Belief: No
Sexual Orientation: No
Care Experience: Yes, changes may have a positive impact for people with care experience by supporting transitions from institutional or residential settings to community based independent living and reducing the risk of prolonged or inappropriate placements.

8. Provide a final summary of the commitments / actions you will take as a result of completing this EQIA. Who will you consult with on your action plan and how will you do this to ensure the relevant stakeholders understand the equality impact?

The policy revisions for Coming Home promote equality of opportunity by:

9. Have you a plan in place to review your actions? Please provide a summary. Will plan require sign off and from where?

Policy revisions and the practical impact on will be monitored and reviewed the ILF Coming Home team delivery. We will continue to consult with Re‑Opening Co‑production Group, Scottish Government and statutory partners. We will seek feedback from Coming Home recipients.

This plan is signed off by: Linda Scot
Title: Director of Policy, Improvement & Engagement
Date: 3 August 2026

EQIA: Policy 20 - ILF Scotland Payments

In completing this EQIA you should be ensuring the needs of diverse groups of people are thought about when developing and implementing a new policy, procedure or service or a change to existing ones. Please consider the protected groups in line with the Equality Act 2010 and other diverse groups who may be impacted.

Name of Activity: Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) for Policy 20 - ILF Scotland Payments
Name of person completing EQIA: Jill Fotheringham
Date EQIA completed: 30 July 2026

What type of activity are you planning?

Change to Policy: Yes
Change to Procedure: No
Change to Service: No
Change to Office Plan / Budget: No
Project: No
Event: No

1. Describe the main aim or purpose of what it is you are planning to do?

The policy revisions introduce payment arrangements for Coming Home Recipients, including the removal of the maximum payment limit from 3 August 2026. The revisions also clarify circumstances where ILF Scotland can exceed maximum awards and make payments to support independent living outcomes. The changes are intended to support people on the Dynamic Support Register to move from inappropriate settings, avoid delayed discharge from hospital and maintain independent living.

2. Who is likely to be affected by this policy, service or change?

Coming Home Recipients, their families and carers, Health and Social Care Partnerships (HSCPs), and ILF Scotland staff

3. Do you have enough information to know what the potential impact might be on diverse groups and what that might look like?

The protected characteristics to consider are: Age, Disability, Sex, Race, Religion or Belief, Gender Reassignment, Sexual Orientation, Marriage and Civil Partnership, Pregnancy and Maternity. It will also be helpful to consider these groups more widely in relation to their socio-economic status that includes such factors as educational attainment, occupation, income, wealth and social deprivation.

Please mark as Yes or No. If yes use the Comments column to describe what the potential impact is. What are your sources of evidence?

(Try to think about both positive and negative impacts. There are lots of sources of data to help answer this question. Diversity Networks, the Diversity Report or Diversity & Inclusion team may offer some useful information. Previously completed EQIAs may also offer answers to questions you may have).

Age: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Disability: Yes
Comments: Positive impact for disabled people who meet the Access Principles for the Coming Home Fund. Removal of the maximum payment limit may reduce barriers to independent living, support discharge from hospital, prevent inappropriate placements and help maintain community-based support arrangements.

Gender Reassignment: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Marriage and Civil Partnership: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Pregnancy and Maternity: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Race: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Religion or belief: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Sex: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Sexual orientation: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Is there evidence of any impact on other groups not covered by the protected characteristics? If yes use the Comments column to describe what the potential impact is, what you could do to remove/reduce any negative impact and what you could do to benefit from any positive impact.

(For example, carer status, single parent, economic exclusion. It is important not to limit your thinking just to the protected characteristics listed above. This question is broadening the EQIA out to be more inclusive. The impact might be a negative one (e.g. making that decision could decrease the opportunity for some people to participate) or it could be a positive one (e.g. by making that decision, more people are able to take part in the activity).)

Positive potential impact on unpaid carers, families and people with care experience. Increased flexibility in funding may help maintain community-based support arrangements, reduce reliance on institutional care and support people to live independently in their local communities. The changes may also benefit people living in rural and remote areas where more flexible support arrangements are required.

4. Have you consulted with the relevant groups (these could be internal and/or external) or gathered evidence for you to know the potential impact on these different groups affected? What sources have you used to gather information?

If there are any gaps in information that make it difficult or impossible to form an opinion on how your policy, service or change might affect different groups of people, please take the time to gather information to help you make an informed answer (for example, review statistics, survey results, complaints analysis, consultation documents, customer feedback, existing briefings submissions or business reports, comparative policies from external sources and other Government Departments etc).

If there are gaps in information that make it difficult to form an opinion on how your policy, service or change might affect different groups of people, gather other information to help you make an informed decision for example review statistics, survey results, complaints analysis, consultation documents, customer feedback, existing briefings submissions or business reports, comparative policies from external sources and other Government Departments etc.

Policy revisions were informed by engagement through engagement events for disabled people and their families and for professionals, Scottish Government and other statutory partners involved in Health and Social Care, the ILF Scotland Advisory Group, the ILF Re‑Opening Co‑Production Group, which includes representatives from Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) and other third sector partners.

The Coming Home policy amendments have been developed with input from:

Two engagement events with the public were held on 25 May 2026 and 26 May 2026.

Information about these events was widely shared across our social media platforms, on our website, with Disability People’s Organisations.

Details contained in the Coming Home Action Plan 2026 - gov.scot.

5. Having analysed the relevant sources of information, what does the evidence tell you? Is there any evidence that the proposed changes will have an adverse equality impact on any of these different groups of people?

Age: No
Disability: No
Gender Reassignment: No
Marriage and Civil Partnership: No
Pregnancy and Maternity: No
Race: No
Religion or belief: No
Sex: No
Sexual orientation: No

6. Please provide details of who the proposals affect, the adverse impacts and explain how you will minimise or remove the adverse impact.

No adverse impacts noted.

7. Is there any evidence that the proposed changes will have a positive impact on any of these different groups of people and/or promote equality of opportunity? Please provide details of which group / groups benefits from the positive impacts. and how this will be promoted / evaluated.

Age: No

Disability: Yes

Gender Reassignment: No

Marriage and Civil Partnership: No

Pregnancy and Maternity: No

Race: No

Religion or belief: No

Sex: No

Sexual orientation: No

The policy changes may have a positive impact on disabled people by removing financial barriers to independent living and allowing funding arrangements to better reflect individual need. The removal of the maximum payment limit for Coming Home Recipients add to existing public financial resources and may help prevent delayed discharge from hospital, reduce inappropriate placements and support sustainable community living.

The changes may have a positive impact on people with care experience by supporting transitions from institutional settings and reducing the risk of prolonged or inappropriate placements.

8. Provide a final summary of the commitments / actions you will take as a result of completing this EQIA. Who will you consult with on your action plan and how will you do this to ensure the relevant stakeholders understand the equality impact?

The policy revisions for Coming Home promote equality of opportunity by:

The policy changes may have a positive impact by reducing barriers to independent living for disabled people with high support needs.

9. Have you a plan in place to review your actions? Please provide a summary. Will plan require sign off and from where?

Policy revisions and the practical impact on will be monitored and reviewed the ILF Coming Home team delivery. We will continue to consult with Re‑opening Co‑production Group, Scottish Government and statutory partners. We will seek feedback from Coming Home recipients and their representatives.

This plan is signed off by: Linda Scott
Title: Director of Policy, Improvement & Engagement
Date: 3 August 2026

EQIA: Policy 19 - Independent Living

In completing this EQIA you should be ensuring the needs of diverse groups of people are thought about when developing and implementing a new policy, procedure or service or a change to existing ones. Please consider the protected groups in line with the Equality Act 2010 and other diverse groups who may be impacted.

Name of Activity: Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) for Policy 19 - Independent Living
Name of person completing EQIA: Jill Fotheringham
Date EQIA completed: 30 July 2026

What type of activity are you planning?

Change to Policy: Yes
Change to Procedure: No
Change to Service: No
Change to Office Plan / Budget: No
Project: No
Event: No

1. Describe the main aim or purpose of what it is you are planning to do?

Review and update Policy 19 - Independent Living. There is explicit reference to ILF Scotland's commitment to independent living, choice, control, dignity and participation for disabled people. It supports the right to live independently and be included in the community, as set out in Article 19 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). The changes provide clearer guidance on accommodation, support arrangements and transitions from hospital or inappropriate placements, in line with the new ILF Scotland Coming Home Fund and makes provisions for ILF funds to be used to help promote disabled people's human rights and independent living outcomes.

2. Who is likely to be affected by this policy, service or charge?

All ILF Scotland recipients, including Coming Home recipients from 3 August 2026, Health and Social Care Partnerships (HSCPs), and ILF Scotland staff involved in assessment and decision-making.

3. Do you have enough information to know what the potential impact might be on diverse groups and what that might look like?

The protected characteristics to consider are: Age, Disability, Sex, Race, Religion or Belief, Gender Reassignment, Sexual Orientation, Marriage and Civil Partnership, Pregnancy and Maternity. It will also be helpful to consider these groups more widely in relation to their socio-economic status that includes such factors as educational attainment, occupation, income, wealth and social deprivation.

Please mark as Yes or No. If yes use the Comments column to describe what the potential impact is. What are your sources of evidence?

(Try to think about both positive and negative impacts. There are lots of sources of data to help answer this question. Diversity Networks, the Diversity Report or Diversity & Inclusion team may offer some useful information. Previously completed EQIAs may also offer answers to questions you may have).

Age: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Disability: No
Comments: The changes clarify existing policy, strengthen independent living principles and emphasise human rights. Provides additional guidance regarding choice, control, accommodation and transitional support for Coming Home recipients.

Gender Reassignment: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Marriage and Civil Partnership: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Pregnancy and Maternity: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Race: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Sex: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Sexual Orientation: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Is there evidence of any impact on other groups not covered by the protected characteristics? If yes use the Comments column to describe what the potential impact is, what you could do to remove / reduce any negative impact and what you could do to benefit from any positive impact.

(For example, carer status, single parent, economic exclusion. It is important not to limit your thinking to just the protected characteristics listed above. The question is broadening the EQIA out to be more inclusive. The impact might be a negative one (e.g. making that decision could decrease the opportunity for some people to participate) or it could be a positive one (e.g. by making that decision, more people are able to take part in the activity).)

The increased flexibility in funding may have a positive impact for people living in rural or remote areas by enabling tailored solutions where local services are limited and costs higher by supporting sustainable independent living in the community.

4. Have you consulted with the relevant groups (these could be internal and / or external) or gathered evidence for you to know the potential impact on these different groups affected? What sources have you used to gather information?

If there are any gaps in information that make it difficult or impossible to form an opinion on how your policy, service or change might affect different groups of people, please take the time to gather information to help you make an informed answer (for example, review statistics, survey results, complaints analysis, consultation documents, customer feedback, existing briefings submissions or business reports, comparative policies from external sources and other Government Departments etc).

Policy revisions were informed by engagement through engagement events for disabled people and their families and for professionals, Scottish Government and other statutory partners involved in Health and Social Care, the ILF Scotland Advisory Group, the ILF Re‑opening Co‑production Group, which includes representatives from Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) and other third sector partners.

The Coming Home policy amendments have been developed with input from:

Two engagement events with the public and professionals were held on 25 May 2026 and 26 May 2026.

Information about these events was widely shared across our social media platforms, on our website, with Disability People’s Organisations.

Contextual details relating to the opening of the ILF Scotland Coming Home Fund are contained in the Coming Home Action Plan 2026 - gov.scot.

5. Having analysed the relevant sources of information, what does the evidence tell you? Is there any evidence that the proposed changes will have an adverse equality impact on any of these different groups of people?

Age: No
Disability: No
Gender Reassignment: No
Marriage and Civil Partnership: No
Pregnancy and Maternity: No
Race: No
Religion or Belief: No
Sexual Orientation: No

6. Please provide details of who the proposals affect, the adverse impacts and explain how you will minimise or remove the adverse impact.

No adverse impacts noted.

7. Is there any evidence that the proposed changes will have a positive impact on any of these different groups of people and / or promote equality of opportunity? Please provide details of which group / groups benefits from the positive impacts. and how this will be promoted / evaluated.

Age: No

Disability: Yes, a positive impact for disabled people by emphasising commitment to promoting human rights and removing barriers to independent living.

Gender Reassignment: No

Marriage and Civil Partnership: No

Pregnancy and Maternity: No

Race: No

Religion or Belief: No

Sexual Orientation: No

Care Experienced: Yes, changes may have a positive impact for people with care experience by supporting transitions from institutional or residential settings to community‑based independent living and reducing the risk of prolonged or inappropriate placements.

8. Provide a final summary of the commitments / actions you will take as a result of completing this EQIA. Who will you consult with on your action plan and how will you do this to ensure the relevant stakeholders understand the equality impact?

The policy revisions for Coming Home promote equality of opportunity by:

9. Have you a plan in place to review your actions? Please provide a summary. Will plan require sign off and from where?

The impact and practical application of these policy revisions will be monitored by the ILF Coming Home team and reviewed by the Policy team. We will continue to consult with Re‑opening Co‑Production Group, Scottish Government and statutory partners, disabled people and their representatives. We will seek feedback specifically from Coming Home recipients and / or representatives.

This plan is signed off by: Linda Scot
Title: Director of Policy, Improvement & Engagement
Date: 3 August 2026

EQIA: Policy 5 - Backdating Payments

In completing this EQIA, you should be ensuring that you give thought to the needs of diverse groups of people when developing and implementing a new policy, procedure or service or a change to existing ones. Please consider the protected groups in line with the Equality Act 2010 and other diverse groups whom the change may impact.

Name of Activity: Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) for Policy 5 - Backdating Payments
Name of person completing EQIA: Jill Fotheringham
Date EQIA completed: 30 July 2026

What type of activity are you planning?

Change to Policy: Yes
Change to Procedure: No
Change to Service: No
Change to Office Plan / Budget: No
Project: No
Event: No

1. Describe the main aim or purpose of what it is you are planning to do?

This EQIA considers Policy 5 wording revisions to include reference that ILF Scotland may make an emergency payment to a Coming Home Recipient and not seek reimbursement from the HSCP.

2. Who is likely to be affected by this policy, service or charge?

Potential ILF Scotland Coming Home Fund recipients.

3. Do you have enough information to know what the potential impact might be on diverse groups and what that might look like?

The protected characteristics to consider are: Age, Disability, Sex, Race, Religion or Belief, Gender Reassignment, Sexual Orientation, Marriage and Civil Partnership, Pregnancy and Maternity. It will also be helpful to consider these groups more widely in relation to their socio-economic status that includes such factors as educational attainment, occupation, income, wealth and social deprivation.

Please mark as Yes or No. If yes use the Comments column to describe what the potential impact is. What are your sources of evidence?

(Try to think about both positive and negative impacts. There are lots of sources of data to help answer this question. Diversity Networks, the Diversity Report or Diversity & Inclusion team may offer some useful information. Previously completed EQIAs may also offer answers to questions you may have).

Age: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Disability: Yes
Comments: A positive impact for disabled people who meet the Access Principles for the ILF Coming Home Fund by removing barriers to independent living through funding to cover emergency support where deemed appropriate.

Gender Reassignment: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Marriage and Civil Partnership: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Pregnancy and Maternity: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Race: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Sex: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Sexual Orientation: No
Comments: No differential impact identified.

Is there evidence of any impact on other groups not covered by the protected characteristics? If yes use the Comments column to describe what the potential impact is, what you could do to remove / reduce any negative impact and what you could do to benefit from any positive impact.

(For example, carer status, single parent, economic exclusion. It is important not to limit your thinking to just the protected characteristics listed above. The question is broadening the EQIA out to be more inclusive. The impact might be a negative one (e.g. making that decision could decrease the opportunity for some people to participate) or it could be a positive one (e.g. by making that decision, more people are able to take part in the activity).)

Positive potential impact on unpaid carers for those providing support to family members who meet the Access Principles. Funding to cover emergency support where deemed appropriate and necessary may alleviate significant unpaid carer stress.

The policy changes may have a positive impact by reducing financial barriers to independent living for disabled people with high support needs and reduced reliance on institutional care.

The increased flexibility in funding and support arrangements may have a positive impact for people living in rural or remote areas by enabling tailored solutions where local services are limited and costs high by supporting sustainable independent living in the community.

4. Have you consulted with the relevant groups (these could be internal and / or external) or gathered evidence for you to know the potential impact on these different groups affected? What sources have you used to gather information?

If there are any gaps in information that make it difficult or impossible to form an opinion on how your policy, service or change might affect different groups of people, please take the time to gather information to help you make an informed answer (for example, review statistics, survey results, complaints analysis, consultation documents, customer feedback, existing briefings submissions or business reports, comparative policies from external sources and other Government Departments etc).

Policy revisions were informed by engagement through engagement events for disabled people and their families and for professionals, Scottish Government and other statutory partners involved in Health and Social Care, the ILF Scotland Advisory Group, the ILF Re‑opening Co‑production Group, which includes representatives from Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) and other third sector partners.

The Coming Home policy amendments have been developed with input from:

Two engagement events with the public were held on 25 May 2026 and 26 May 2026.

Information about these events was widely shared across our social media platforms, on our website, with Disability People’s Organisations.

Details contained in the Coming Home Action Plan 2026 - gov.scot

5. Having analysed the relevant sources of information, what does the evidence tell you? Is there any evidence that the proposed changes will have an adverse equality impact on any of these different groups of people?

Age: No
Disability: No
Gender Reassignment: No
Marriage and Civil Partnership: No
Pregnancy and Maternity: No
Race: No
Religion or Belief: No
Sexual Orientation: No
Care Experienced: No

6. Please provide details of who the proposals affect, the adverse impacts and explain how you will minimise or remove the adverse impact.

No adverse impacts noted.

7. Is there any evidence that the proposed changes will have a positive impact on any of these different groups of people and / or promote equality of opportunity? Please provide details of which group / groups benefits from the positive impacts. and how this will be promoted / evaluated.

Age: No

Disability: Yes, a positive impact for disabled people who meet the Access Principles by removing financial barriers to independent living

Gender Reassignment: No

Marriage and Civil Partnership: No

Pregnancy and Maternity: No

Race: No

Religion or Belief: No

Sexual Orientation: No

Care Experienced: Yes, changes may have a positive impact for people with care experience by supporting transitions from institutional or residential settings to community‑based independent living and reducing the risk of prolonged or inappropriate out of area placements.

8. Provide a final summary of the commitments / actions you will take as a result of completing this EQIA. Who will you consult with on your action plan and how will you do this to ensure the relevant stakeholders understand the equality impact?

The policy revisions for Coming Home promote equality of opportunity by:

Policy revisions and the practical impact on will be monitored and reviewed the ILF Coming Home team delivery. We will continue to consult with Re‑opening Co‑production Group, Scottish Government and statutory partners. We will seek feedback from Coming Home recipients.

9. Have you a plan in place to review your actions? Please provide a summary. Will plan require sign off and from where?

Policy revisions and the practical impact on will be monitored and reviewed the ILF Coming Home team delivery. We will continue to consult with Re‑opening Co‑production Group, Scottish Government and statutory partners. We will seek feedback from Coming Home recipients.

This plan is signed off by: Linda Scot
Title: Director of Policy, Improvement & Engagement
Date: 3 August 2026

EQIA: Removal of Capital Threshold - July 2026

In completing this EQIA, you should be ensuring that you give thought to the needs of diverse groups of people when developing and implementing a new policy, procedure or service or a change to existing ones. Please consider the protected groups in line with the Equality Act 2010 and other diverse groups whom the change may impact.

Name of Activity: Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) for:
Policy 38 – Suspension and Reinstatement of an ILF Scotland Award
Policy 39 – Treatment of Capital
Transition Fund 4 – Treatment of Capital

Name of person completing EQIA: Linda Scott, Director of Policy, Improvement and Engagement

Date EQIA completed: 8 July 2026

What type of activity are you planning?

Change to Policy: Yes
Change to Procedure: No
Change to Service: No
Event: No
Office Plan / Budget: No
Project: No

1. Describe the main aim or purpose of what it is you are planning to do?

The proposed amendment is to remove the Capital Threshold limit from the eligibility criteria for Group 1 and Group 2 recipients of the Independent Living Fund. The Capital Threshold is not applicable to recipients of the re-opened Fund.

Included in the proposal is a request that the Capital Threshold also be removed from eligibility criteria for the Transition Fund.

2. Who is likely to be affected by this policy, service or charge?

The change may affect recipients and applicants to the Independent Living Fund and Transition Fund, depending upon their circumstances.

The Capital Limit affects very few existing Group 1 and Group 2 recipients of the Independent Living Fund, with ten awards currently in suspension due to this circumstance.

There have only been two incidents of applicants to the Transition Fund having capital in excess of the limit at time of application, since the opening of the Fund.

3. Do you have enough information to know what the potential impact might be on diverse groups and what that might look like?

The protected characteristics to consider are Age, Disability, Sex, Race, Religion or Belief, Gender Reassignment, Sexual Orientation, Marriage and Civil Partnership, Pregnancy and Maternity. It will also be helpful to consider these groups more widely in relation to their socio-economic status that includes such factors as educational attainment, occupation, income, wealth, and social deprivation.

Please mark as Yes or No. If yes use the Comments column to describe what the potential impact is. What are your sources of evidence?

Try to think about both positive and negative impacts. There are various sources of data to help answer this question such as Diversity Networks, the Diversity Report or Diversity & Inclusion team. Previously completed EQIAs may also offer answers to questions you may have.

Age: Yes
Comments: Young people wishing to apply to the Transition Fund who had capital in excess of the Capital Limit will now be able to apply to the Fund, provided they meet other eligibility criteria.

Disability: Yes
Comments: Current recipients of the Fund, whose Awards are in suspension due to having capital in excess of the Capital Limit may now be eligible to have their award reinstated, subject to an assessment process.

Gender Reassignment: No
Comments:

Marriage and Civil Partnership: No
Comments:

Pregnancy and Maternity: No
Comments:

Race: No
Comments:

Sex: No
Comments:

Sexual Orientation: No
Comments:

Is there evidence of any impact on other groups not covered by the protected characteristics? If yes use the Comments column to describe what the potential impact is, what you could do to remove / reduce any negative impact and what you could do to benefit from any positive impact.

For example, carer status, single parent, economic exclusion, care experienced. It is important not to limit your thinking to just the protected characteristics listed above. The question is broadening the EQIA out to be more inclusive. The impact might be a negative one for example making that decision could decrease the opportunity for some people to participate or it could be a positive one for example by making that decision, more people are able to take part in the activity.

No

4. Have you consulted with the relevant internal or external groups? Or have you gathered evidence to help you understand the potential impact on different groups? What sources have you used to gather information?

If there are gaps in information that make it difficult to form an opinion on how your policy, service or change might affect different groups of people, gather other information to help you make an informed decision for example review statistics, survey results, complaints analysis, consultation documents, customer feedback, existing briefings submissions or business reports, comparative policies from external sources and other Government Departments etc.

The proposed changes are as a result of a commitment at the time of re-opening to examine key differences between the re-opened and the existing ILF that may lead to assertations of inequality. The Director of Policy presented these options to the Co-production working group - appointed prior to re-opening to establish the policy framework and tasked with further policy enhancement and alignment once the fund re-opened. The Group agreed that these changes should be implemented with SG approval.

The proposed change has also been presented to and discussed by the Scotland and the Northern Ireland Advisory groups. It has also been discussed within ILF Scotland at Senior Leadership Team level, Assessor team meetings and communicated to the wider staff group at ILF for comment. All are supportive of the proposed change.

5. Having analysed the relevant sources of information, what does the evidence tell you? Is there any evidence that the proposed changes will have an adverse equality impact on any of these groups of people?

Age: No
Disability: No
Gender Reassignment: No
Marriage and Civil Partnership: No
Pregnancy and Maternity: No
Race: No
Religion or Belief: No
Sexual Orientation: No

6. Please provide details of who the proposals affect, the adverse impacts and explain how you will minimise or remove the adverse impact.

The proposals may affect existing Group 1 and Group 2 recipients. No adverse effect is anticipated.

7. Is there any evidence that the proposed changes will have a positive impact on any of these groups of people and / or promote equality of opportunity? Please provide details of which group / groups might benefit from the positive impacts and how you intend to promote and evaluate any benefit.

Age: No

Disability: Removal of the Capital Threshold Limit recognises that there is a higher cost of living for disabled people because of disability related expenditure and in the majority of cases, any capital is used to meet these higher costs. The proposed change also brings Group 1 and Group 2 recipients into alignment with recipients of the re-opened Fund, where there are no Capital Threshold Limits in place.

Gender Reassignment: No

Marriage and Civil Partnership: No

Pregnancy and Maternity: No

Race: No

Religion or Belief: No

Sexual Orientation: No

8. Provide a final summary of the commitments / actions you will take in consequence of completing this EQIA. Who will you consult with on your action plan and how will you do this to ensure the relevant stakeholders understand the equality impact?

We will continue to inform Recipients / Award Managers of this policy on our website and contact with our Assessors and Specialist Caseworkers, and Scotland and Northern Ireland Advisory Boards.

9. Have you a plan in place to review your actions? Please provide a summary. Will the plan require sign off and if so, from where?

Ongoing monitoring and review of policy impact on Recipients and their Award Manager via feedback from Assessors and Specialist Caseworkers, Management Team and Senior Management Team. Policy will be signed off by Linda Scott, Director of Policy, Improvement and Engagement.

EQIA: Qualifying Benefits - July 2026

In completing this EQIA, you should be ensuring that you give thought to the needs of diverse groups of people when developing and implementing a new policy, procedure or service or a change to existing ones. Please consider the protected groups in line with the Equality Act 2010 and other diverse groups whom the change may impact.

Name of Activity: Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) for:
Policy 14 – Qualifying Benefits for ILF Scotland Award
Policy 15 – Engaging Care outside Scotland and Northern Ireland
Policy 20 – ILF Scotland Payments
Policy 26 – Managing an ILF Scotland Award
Policy 38 – Suspension and Reinstatement of an ILF Award

Name of person completing EQIA: Linda Scott, Director of Policy, Improvement and Engagement

Date EQIA completed: 8 July 2026

What type of activity are you planning?

Change to Policy: Yes
Change to Procedure: No
Change to Service: No
Event: No
Office Plan / Budget: No
Project: No

1. Describe the main aim or purpose of what it is you are planning to do?

Non means tested benefits currently form part of the eligibility criteria for ILF Recipients in Group 1 and Group 2. The proposal is to remove these qualifying benefits to bring Group 1 and 2 recipients into alignment with Group 4 recipients who do not require these qualifying benefits as part of the access criteria.

2. Who is likely to be affected by this policy, service or charge?

This change would affect any Group 1 and Group 2 recipients whose awards would be in suspension due to not receiving these benefits. At the time of the proposed change, this does not affect any current recipients.

3. Do you have enough information to know what the potential impact might be on diverse groups and what that might look like?

The protected characteristics to consider are Age, Disability, Sex, Race, Religion or Belief, Gender Reassignment, Sexual Orientation, Marriage and Civil Partnership, Pregnancy and Maternity. It will also be helpful to consider these groups more widely in relation to their socio-economic status that includes such factors as educational attainment, occupation, income, wealth, and social deprivation.

Please mark as Yes or No. If yes use the Comments column to describe what the potential impact is. What are your sources of evidence?

Try to think about both positive and negative impacts. There are various sources of data to help answer this question such as Diversity Networks, the Diversity Report or Diversity & Inclusion team. Previously completed EQIAs may also offer answers to questions you may have.

Age: No
Comments:

Disability: Yes
Comments: This change could positively affect any existing Group 1 and Group 2 recipients who may have had their award enter suspension should their qualifying benefits be reduced or removed. The proposed change would ensure their award would continue, which is beneficial.

Gender Reassignment: No
Comments:

Marriage and Civil Partnership: No
Comments:

Pregnancy and Maternity: No
Comments:

Race: No
Comments:

Sex: No
Comments:

Sexual Orientation: No
Comments:

Is there evidence of any impact on other groups not covered by the protected characteristics? If yes use the Comments column to describe what the potential impact is, what you could do to remove / reduce any negative impact and what you could do to benefit from any positive impact.

For example, carer status, single parent, economic exclusion, care experienced. It is important not to limit your thinking to just the protected characteristics listed above. The question is broadening the EQIA out to be more inclusive. The impact might be a negative one for example making that decision could decrease the opportunity for some people to participate or it could be a positive one for example by making that decision, more people are able to take part in the activity.

No

4. Have you consulted with the relevant internal or external groups? Or have you gathered evidence to help you understand the potential impact on different groups? What sources have you used to gather information?

If there are gaps in information that make it difficult to form an opinion on how your policy, service or change might affect different groups of people, gather other information to help you make an informed decision for example review statistics, survey results, complaints analysis, consultation documents, customer feedback, existing briefings submissions or business reports, comparative policies from external sources and other Government Departments etc.

The proposed change is as a result of a commitment at the time of re-opening in April 2024 to examine key differences between the re-opened and the existing ILF that may lead to assertations of inequality. The Director of Policy presented these options to the Co-production working group - appointed prior to re-opening to establish the policy framework and tasked with further policy enhancement and alignment once the fund re-opened. The Group agreed that these changes should be implemented with Scottish Government approval.

The proposed change was also presented and discussed by the Scotland and the Northern Ireland Advisory groups.

It has also been discussed within ILF Scotland at Senior Leadership Team level, Assessor team meetings and communicated to the wider staff group at ILF for comment. They were largely positive about the change, although one concern was raised. This concern relates to the removal of the Financial Information Form currently completed by the recipient at the ILF Scotland review. It was noted that the policy change would remove the need for the Financial Information form which is also used as a check and review of benefits the recipient may be entitled to. It was agreed that to mitigate this, ILF Scotland assessors would still discuss benefits with the recipients and identify any entitlements that they may have.

5. Having analysed the relevant sources of information, what does the evidence tell you? Is there any evidence that the proposed changes will have an adverse equality impact on any of these groups of people?

Age: No
Disability: No
Gender Reassignment: No
Marriage and Civil Partnership: No
Pregnancy and Maternity: No
Race: No
Religion or Belief: No
Sexual Orientation: No

6. Please provide details of who the proposals affect, the adverse impacts and explain how you will minimise or remove the adverse impact.

Group 1 and Group 2 recipients may be affected by the change, however there should be no adverse impact.

7. Is there any evidence that the proposed changes will have a positive impact on any of these groups of people and / or promote equality of opportunity? Please provide details of which group / groups might benefit from the positive impacts and how you intend to promote and evaluate any benefit.

Age: No
Disability: The proposed changes will bring existing Group 1 and Group 2 recipients in line with Group 4 recipients, providing equality across all recipients.
Gender Reassignment: No
Marriage and Civil Partnership: No
Pregnancy and Maternity: No
Race: No
Religion or Belief: No
Sexual Orientation: No

8. Provide a final summary of the commitments / actions you will take in consequence of completing this EQIA. Who will you consult with on your action plan and how will you do this to ensure the relevant stakeholders understand the equality impact?

We will continue to inform Recipients / Award Managers of this policy via our website, and contact with our Assessors and Specialist Caseworkers, Scottish Advisory Group and NI Advisory Group.

9. Have you a plan in place to review your actions? Please provide a summary. Will the plan require sign off and if so, from where?

Ongoing monitoring and review of policy impact on Recipients / Award Managers via feedback from Assessors and Specialist Caseworkers, ILF Management Team, Senior Management Team. Policy will be signed off by Linda Scott, Director of Policy, Improvement and Engagement.

EQIA: Policy 41 - Use of ILF Scotland Funding

Archive

This EQIA, for our Independent Living Fund, has been archived but is available for reference purposes.

To see existing policies and EQIAs guiding ILF Scotland, visit our main policies page.

In completing this EQIA you should be ensuring the needs of diverse groups of people are thought about when developing and implementing a new policy, procedure or service or a change to existing ones. Please consider the protected groups in line with the Equality Act 2010 and other diverse groups who may be impacted.

Name of Activity: Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) for Policy 41 - Use of ILF Scotland Funding
Name of person completing EQIA: Linda Scott, Director, Policy, Improvement and Engagement
Date EQIA completed: 18 November 2024

What type of activity are you planning?

Change to procedure: No
Event: No
Office Plan / Budget: No
Project: No
Policy: Yes
Service: No

1. Describe the main aim or purpose of what it is you are planning to do?

Policy 41 allows recipients to request permission to use any unspent ILF funds for flexible purposes to meet existing independent living outcomes.

It is proposed that rather than only those recipients who have unspent ILF funds being able to apply for flexible funding, that this benefit would be open to all ILF recipients.

2. Who is likely to be affected by this policy, service or charge?

ILF Scotland recipients.

3. Do you have enough information to know what the potential impact might be on diverse groups and what that might look like?

The protected characteristics to consider are: Age, Disability, Sex, Race, Religion or Belief, Gender Reassignment, Sexual Orientation, Marriage and Civil Partnership, Pregnancy and Maternity. It will also be helpful to consider these groups more widely in relation to their socio-economic status that includes such factors as educational attainment, occupation, income, wealth and social deprivation.

Please mark as Yes or No. If yes use the Comments column to describe what the potential impact is. What are your sources of evidence?

(Try to think about both positive and negative impacts. There are lots of sources of data to help answer this question. Diversity Networks, the Diversity Report or Diversity & Inclusion team may offer some useful information. Previously completed EQIAs may also offer answers to questions you may have).

Age: No
Comments:

Disability: Yes
Comments: Evaluation of flexible funding and unspent monies has been carried out to ensure that there is no adverse impact to any group.

Gender Reassignment: No
Comments:

Marriage and Civil Partnership: No
Comments:

Pregnancy and Maternity: No
Comments:

Race: No
Comments:

Sex: No
Comments:

Sexual Orientation: No
Comments:

Is there evidence of any impact on other groups not covered by the protected characteristics? If yes use the Comments column to describe what the potential impact is, what you could do to remove / reduce any negative impact and what you could do to benefit from any positive impact.

(For example, carer status, single parent, economic exclusion. It is important not to limit your thinking to just the protected characteristics listed above. The question is broadening the EQIA out to be more inclusive. The impact might be a negative one (e.g. making that decision could decrease the opportunity for some people to participate) or it could be a positive one (e.g. by making that decision, more people are able to take part in the activity).)

None

4. Have you consulted with the relevant groups (these could be internal and / or external) or gathered evidence for you to know the potential impact on these different groups affected? What sources have you used to gather information?

If there are any gaps in information that make it difficult or impossible to form an opinion on how your policy, service or change might affect different groups of people, please take the time to gather information to help you make an informed answer (for example, review statistics, survey results, complaints analysis, consultation documents, customer feedback, existing briefings submissions or business reports, comparative policies from external sources and other Government Departments etc).

The proposed change to the policy was circulated both internally to all ILF Scotland staff and externally to members of ILF Scotland’s Northern Ireland Stakeholder Group and the Scotland Advisory Board for their comment.

5. Having analysed the relevant sources of information, what does the evidence tell you? Is there any evidence that the proposed changes will have an adverse equality impact on any of these different groups of people?

Age: No
Disability: The changes will not have any adverse effect on recipients.
Gender Reassignment: No
Marriage and Civil Partnership: No
Pregnancy and Maternity: No
Race: No
Religion or Belief: No
Sexual Orientation: No

6. Please provide details of who the proposals affect, the adverse impacts and explain how you will minimise or remove the adverse impact.

There are no negative impacts of this proposed change.

7. Is there any evidence that the proposed changes will have a positive impact on any of these different groups of people and / or promote equality of opportunity? Please provide details of which group / groups benefits from the positive impacts. and how this will be promoted / evaluated.

Age: No
Disability: The proposed change is intended to make a positive impact for all those Independent Living Fund recipients (existing 2015 fund and the re-opened fund) who are not currently eligible to apply for flexible funding as they do not have any unspent ILF funds
Gender Reassignment: No
Marriage and Civil Partnership: No
Pregnancy and Maternity: No
Race: No
Religion or Belief: No
Sexual Orientation: No

8. Provide a final summary of the commitments / actions you will take as a result of completing this EQIA. Who will you consult with on your action plan and how will you do this to ensure the relevant stakeholders understand the equality impact?

We will continue to inform Recipients / Award Managers of this policy via our website, and contact with our Assessors and Specialist Caseworkers, Scottish Advisory Group and NI Stakeholder Group.

9. Have you a plan in place to review your actions? Please provide a summary. Will plan require sign off and from where?

Ongoing monitoring and review of policy impact on Recipients and their Award Manager via feedback from Assessors and Specialist Caseworkers, Management Team, and Senior Management Team. Policy will be signed off by Linda Scott, Director of Policy, Improvement and Engagement

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