202512 - Newsletter - December 2025

Welcome

A warm welcome to our December edition of the ILF Scotland newsletter. As we come to the end of the year, we’ve been looking back on the last year and thinking about what we have all achieved together.

We celebrated our 10th birthday in July. A decade of empowering disabled people in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

We hit a milestone with 1,000 disabled people applying to the Independent Living Fund (ILF) since it re-opened to new applicants in Scotland last year. We continue to work with the Advisory Group and the Department of Health in Northern Ireland about the possibility of re-opening the Fund there.

We were awarded many accolades including being seen as one of the top UK employers, demonstrating the commitment to our staff – if they are happy, we can all work better for you, the people we support.

Thank you to the members of our Advisory Groups in Scotland and Northern Ireland for working closely with us, for participating in many events and initiatives and adding great value to what we do.

With warm wishes for a safe and happy festive season and New Year.

Peter Scott OBE, ILF Scotland
Chief Executive Officer

ILF Scotland News

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities for 2025 took place on 3 December. This year’s theme was 'fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress'.

Established in 1992 by the United Nations, the day is about promoting the rights and well-being of disabled people. This year’s aim was to show people that ensuring spaces and places are inclusive to disabled people enriches us all and allows for greater societal progress.

Check out our website www.ilf.scot for more information on how we promoted the day.

Personal Assistant Week

At the end of November, we featured Personal Assistants (PAs) over one week on our website and using social media platforms.

We worked with our Advisory Groups in Scotland and Northern Ireland to help us raise awareness about the benefits of working as a PA and of employing a PA. We heard directly from PAs and Recipient employers.

Find out more by visiting our website: https://ilf.scot/go/pas. If you would like to share information about the benefits of employing your own PA, please contact us at communications@ilf.scot.

Peter Scott OBE, CEO of Independent Living Scotland said:

“We’ve celebrated 10 years of ILF. A decade of empowering disabled people to live independently, with dignity, with choice and with control.

“ILF Scotland was born from a moment of uncertainty. A period of anxiety. But also, of opportunity. It was created because disabled people raised their voices. And here in Scotland and in Northern Ireland, those voices were heard.”

In Memory of Etienne D’Aboville

We are deeply saddened to share the news that our former Board Director, Etienne D’Aboville, passed
away peacefully at home on 28th October 2025.

Etienne was a towering figure in the Independent Living Movement in Scotland. He spent over 25 years as Chief Executive of the Glasgow Centre for Inclusive Living (GCIL), where he championed the rights of disabled people with passion, dignity, and humour. His leadership helped to shape inclusive services, promote co-production, and advance the use of direct payments and personal assistance.

Jim Elder-Woodward, Chair of the ILF Scotland Advisory Group, said:

“I am truly saddened that my dear friend and comrade, Etienne d’Aboville, has passed away after a period of illness. I had known and worked with Etienne for 30 years and his loss will be badly felt. Etienne has worked very closely with many of us in the Independent Living Movement over the past 30 years. He was an absolute giant in our movement. He was an accomplished and wonderful man with a
heart of gold. He put our collective cause, and disabled people, ahead of any personal ego. Rest in peace my dear friend.”

Anne-Marie Monaghan, ILF Scotland Chairperson, said:

“Since meeting Etienne in the 1980s I have always known him as a leading advocate for disability rights and independent living in Scotland. He championed the principle that disabled people should have full choice and control over their lives, pioneering the use of direct payments and embracing self-directed support.

"His leadership challenged and contributed to national policy. He was a key driver behind the Independent Living Fund and championed the Scottish Government to retain it as a separate entity and not disperse it to local authorities. Etienne influenced legislation and funding models that empowered disabled people. He really was a stalwart for the rights of disabled people in Scotland and will be sorely missed.”

Peter Scott OBE, ILF Scotland Chief Executive Officer, said:

“Etienne’s involvement with ILF Scotland was significant and foundational. As an activist he played a critical role in the campaign to create our organisation in the first place, and he was a key member of the Scottish Government working group that oversaw the establishment of ILF Scotland in 2015. Later, serving as a Director, he brought a unique and invaluable combination of lived and professional experience to the Board.

“Etienne was a man of warmth and wisdom, and his contribution to social justice and independent living was profound. He will be missed terribly by the Movement, by his colleagues and friends, and by all of us who had the genuine privilege to know him.

“All of us at ILF Scotland send our love and thoughts to his family.”

ILF Scotland proud to be a Top Ten Employer

ILF Scotland earned a place on the highly regarded list of top ten family-friendly and flexible employers, announced by UK’s national charity for working parents and carers, Working Families.

Since 2017, we have earned this award 7 times, showing our consistent commitment to excellence in supporting our staff. https://ilf.scot/news-post/ilf-scotland-announced-as-one-of-uks-top-10-family-friendly-employers/

First in Scotland: Kinship Gold for ILF Scotland

We are thrilled to announce that ILF Scotland has achieved the Gold Standard Kinship Friendly Employer status, the first organisation in Scotland to achieve this.

Kinship carers are relatives and family friends who step up to raise children and provide them with loving stable homes when their parents are unable to, often with very little support.

The Kinship Friendly Employer scheme supports kinship carers to maintain their income, job security and career prospects while taking on these responsibilities.

Employers who join the Kinship Friendly Employer scheme are publicly recognised as organisations that want to support their employees with balancing their work whilst looking after their children.

We’ve signed for the Mind

We are proud to announce that ILF Scotland has signed up to the MIND Mental Health at Work Commitment supporting mental health at work.

There’s a growing recognition of the need to support mental health in the workplace and by signing up, we are joining the largest mental health at work social movement of its kind and making a public statement that mental health at work is and will remain a priority for us.

Championing Climate Change

ILF Scotland is committed to playing our part in helping the planet and reducing our environmental impact.

We have established a Climate Champions group consisting of ILF staff and board members to share ideas and focus on achieving our climate change goals by looking at initiatives like reducing paper use, our digital footprint, our business travel and achieving Net Zero ahead of the Public Sector deadline.

ILF Scotland publishes its new Strategy for 2025 to 2028

Realising Ambition – Re-Opening and Beyond

This is ILF Scotland's fourth strategy. It sets out what we plan to achieve over the next three years. We co-produce the strategy with our Recipients and other disabled people and organisations that support them. We did this through a series of engagement events to ensure we captured what was important.

We thank everyone for their time and input. Disabled people are at the heart of what we do and as we take our strategy forward in Scotland and Northern Ireland, we will do so by listening to them and providing the services they tell us they need in a way that works for them.

You can read our strategy on our website: https://ilf.scot/ publication/ilf-scotlandstrategy-2025-to-2028/

Re-Opened Fund Hits 1,000 Applications

ILF provides ongoing funding for 2,545 disabled people with complex needs in Scotland. It empowers them to take part in hobbies and leisure activities, undertake work or education and participate fully in their communities.

Since the Fund re-opened in Scotland in April last year, we have received over a thousand applications via local authorities and we are aiming to support around 1,400 people by the end of this financial year. Speaking on a visit to Upward Mobility to meet a Recipient of the re-opened Fund and her Mum, Social Care Minister Tom Arthur said: "Re-opening the Independent Living Fund was a key Programme for Government commitment as 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 over 1,000 applications since the fund re-opened 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.

Transition Fund Young Ambassador’s Group

If you receive funding from our Transition Fund, you can join our Young Ambassadors’ Group. As a member, you would:

If you would like to join the Young Ambassadors Group, please contact Lee House, by emailing Lee.House@ilf.scot.

Compass National Data Report

To help applicants make the best of access to our Transitions Fund, we often direct people to Compass Transitions Tool, hosted by ARC Scotland.

The latest Compass National Data Report has been published drawing on data from 897 young people with additional support needs and others using the tool. You can read the report on the ARC Scotland website by visiting: https://ilf.scot/go/transitions-report.

The report’s key findings provide important baseline data as Scotland starts to implement the National Transitions Strategy for Young Disabled People, published by the Scottish Government in June. The findings will help all partners understand where best to focus efforts and resources to improve support for young disabled people and their families.

SSSC Open Badges

The Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) provide a wealth of learning modules for those working in the social care sector in Scotland.

These learning modules equip workers with essential knowledge about a variety of subjects, now including the Independent Living Fund.

The resource is free and available to everyone. You will find useful information about the roles and responsibilities of managing your award and you can share the link to the badges with your PA or social care worker if you use an agency for support. For more information, please see our website https://ilf.scot/go/sssc-badges.

MyCare.scot Social Care App Roll Out

The Scottish Government has announced details of the roll out of a new health and social care app – MyCare.scot.

The app is a key part of the 2024 to 2025 Programme for Government commitment to launch a new personalised digital health and social care service.

The mission of the app is that everyone in Scotland has a single, secure point of access to their health and social care information, wherever they live, whatever their needs.

MyCare will be launched in NHS Lanarkshire this December, initially for people aged 18 and above and will be thoroughly evaluated before any further roll out.

Find out more by visiting: https://ilf.scot/go/mycare

Time To Live Grants for Unpaid Carers

Unpaid Carers in Scotland can now apply for a grant to allow them to support personalised breaks.

The grant is called Time to Live (TTL) and is a funding programme managed by Shared Care Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government.

The grant scheme is accessible to all carers, including adult, parent, and young carers to enable them to take short breaks, with or without the person they provide care and support to.

Unpaid carers can apply for a grant through their local Carers Centre.

You can view a list of all the centres distributing the grants at https://ilf.scot/go/time-to-live.

Support for Carers

In 2021, the Scottish Government introduced the Carer’s Allowance Supplement.

A payment of £293.50 is made twice per year (£587 annually) for eligible carers, paid automatically to everyone who is eligible and already in receipt of a Carers Support Payment or Carers Allowance. Social Security Scotland sends letters to people to advise them of the payments. If you think you are eligible but have not received a letter, please call Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222.

The Scottish Government plans to introduce improvements to Carers Support Payments next year that include:

Paying a Scottish Carer Supplement as a regular payment alongside Carer Support Payments
This means carers would receive higher, more regular, payments rather than six monthly lump sum payments.

Introducing a Carer Additional Person Payment alongside Carer Support Payments
An additional £10 each week to be paid to a carer who provides a minimum of 20 hours of care per week to an additional person.

Extending the Young Carer Grant from 18 to 19 year olds
Young carers up to age 19 will now receive Young Carer Grant following an expansion of the benefit delivered by Social Security Scotland.

The grant which was previously open to 16 to 18-year-olds is a Scottish only benefit that gives young carers a yearly payment of £390.25.

The payment can be used to pay for whatever the young person wants – like driving lessons, tech to help with work or study or new clothes.

The grant is available to young people who spend at least 16 hours a week caring for someone who receives a disability benefit. It is available to young people who are in education, employed or out of work.

You can find more information at https://www.socialsecurity.gov.scot/benefits

Improving Access Fund

Funding is now available to grass roots / community groups and third sector organisations to develop peer led initiatives that align with the social model of disability to advance equality for disabled people.

The Improving Access Fund has been designed with disabled people, for disabled people. The aims of the Fund are to increase financial security for disabled households through advice and support to access benefits and entitlements, promote full inclusion and participation so that disabled people have a voice in important decisions that affect them, and to improve mental health outcomes for disabled people through expanding peer-led accessible support services.

If you are involved with a group or know of an organisation that may be interested in applying, you can find out more here Improving Access Fund - Inspiring Scotland https://inspiringscotland.org.uk/fund/improving-access-fund/ or emailing iafenquiries@inspiringscotland.org.uk

Personal Assistants Network Scotland (PANS)

The Personal Assistants Network Scotland was created to provide essential support to PAs. The network is a community and a source of advice and workforce knowledge.

If a PA needs help, the staff team at PANS will always do their best to provide information or connect people with the right resources. Membership is optional and free. It includes:

Visit their website on https://panetworkscotland.org. uk/ call 01563 594 217 or email pans@wea.ac.uk.

Access to Elected Office Fund

The Access to Elected Office Fund is delivered by Inclusion Scotland, funded by the Scottish Government.

It covers the additional disability related costs that can make it harder for disabled people to stand for election and to ensure no-one is excluded from politics because of this.

The Fund is open to all disabled people standing for election in Scotland, at local council level or as an MSP and can cover support for:

Apply via Email: civilparticipation@inclusionscotland.org.
Full details are available on: bit.ly/AEO-Fund

Prepare for Power Cuts

SP Networks, the company that oversees the power network for all Utility Companies in Scotland, has a Priority Services Register for more vulnerable residents who might be affected by power cuts.

The company can provide help such as generators, hot foot, hotel stays, etc. You can join the
Priority Services Register if you:

For more information and to sign up, visit spenergynetworks.co.uk/psr or call 0330 10 10 167.

Northern Ireland

Disabled People's Parliament

The Northern Ireland Assembly’s Disabled People’s Parliament took place on Friday 21 November 2025 in the Assembly Chamber in the Parliament Buildings, Stormont, Belfast.

The Disabled People’s Parliament provided a platform every year for disabled people and their supporters to engage directly with decision makers and raise issues of concern.

This important event was attended by members of our Advisory Group in Northern Ireland who delivered speeches and participated in discussions along with other disabled people and their supporters.

There was a clear focus on involving disabled people in decisions about things that affected them including developing strategies, addressing transport and accessing funding.

There was a call from some speakers to re-open the Independent Living Fund in Northern Ireland so that more disabled people could benefit from the funding to help achieve the independent living outcomes important to them.

Consultation on Disability and Work: A Strategy for Northern Ireland

This sets out the Department for Communities’ commitment to achieve better employment outcomes for disabled people, people with health conditions, and people who are neurodivergent.

The key outcome of the Strategy is to get an additional 50,000 disabled people into work by March 2036, and to achieve a disability employment rate of 50% and growing.

The Strategy also aims to get more disabled people into better jobs, helping to reduce the disability pay
gap, reduce underemployment and support more disabled people into self-employment.

Responses to the consultation are due by 12 January 2026.

Responses will be used to inform the final content of the Strategy.

Visit https://ilf.scot/go/consultation-on-disability to take part.

Northern Ireland Advisory Group Recruitment

The Northern Ireland Advisory Group (previously called the Northern Ireland Stakeholder Group) is looking for new members, especially from our current ILF Recipients.

As a member of the group, you can:

We would love to hear from you if you would like to help shape the way we deliver services to our disabled recipients in Northern Ireland.

David McDonald, Northern Ireland Advisory Group Chair, said:

“As Chair of the ILF Scotland Northern Ireland Advisory Group, I am inviting new members, especially current ILF Recipients, to join us and have their voices heard.

“Being part of the group means you can share your experiences, offer valuable feedback on how the fund is working, and help shape policies that improve support for disabled people across Northern Ireland.

“If you want to play a role in shaping the future of these vital services, we would love to hear from you.”

Niqi Rainey, Northern Ireland Advisory Group Member and Award Manager for her sister in law said:

“We warmly invite passionate individuals to join us in shaping a future where independent living is accessible to all.

“Your voice and experience can make a real difference in driving positive change for our communities across Northern Ireland.

“Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive society, come and be part of this important journey with us.”

Caroline Wheeler, Northern Ireland Advisory Group Depute Chair, and Award Manager for her son said:

“Being part of the Northern Ireland Advisory Group has given me the opportunity to share my personal experience and that of my son as an ILF Recipient and help shape the way support is delivered.

“It is empowering to know that my voice contributes to making real improvements for disabled people across Northern Ireland.

“I encourage others who use the fund to get involved and help influence positive change.”

Robert Dallas, Northern Ireland Advisory Group Member, and Award Manager for his son said:

“Joining the Northern Ireland Advisory Group has been a rewarding experience; it is a chance to speak up about what works well and what could be better in the fund’s services.

“I have found it really valuable to connect with others who share similar experiences and to contribute towards building a more inclusive future for all disabled people in Northern Ireland.”

If you are interested in joining or just want to find out more, please contact Linda Scott, Director for Policy, Improvement, and Engagement at ILF Scotland by email at Linda.Scott@ILF.scot. Linda will be happy to chat with you about how to get involved.

General

Moving to Universal Credit – What You Need to Know

In Scotland and in Northern Ireland certain state benefits are being phased out and replaced. The process is called managed migration and it means that people receiving certain older benefits, often called legacy benefits, will be asked to move over to Universal Credit (UC).

These benefits include:

If you are in receipt of a legacy benefit, you will receive a Migration Notice Letter from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirming that your current benefit is ending and that you must claim UC by a specified deadline to keep receiving financial support.

The Migration Notice will give you a deadline (often around 3 months) to make a UC claim. When you claim UC, the previous benefit(s) being replaced will stop and you cannot go back to the previous benefit. The amount of UC you get is based on your circumstances and it is not guaranteed that you will receive the same amount. We recommend that you contact your local independent money advice service in your area to ensure that your income is maximised and you are receiving all the benefits you are entitled to.

You can also contact Citizens Advice on 0800 023 2581, by text Relay on 18001 then 0800 023 2581 or using the BSL Video service on their website https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland if you live in Scotland.

In Northern Ireland visit https://ilf scot/go/ni-uc or get free, confidential and independent advice from Advice NI at https://www.adviceni.net.

Beware of scam texts

As we come up to Christmas, there is a massive increase in scams.

Scam text messages are from criminals often pretending to be Social Security Scotland, NI Direct or other Government departments. They tell people they are missing out on financial help and ask them to click a link to update their details or to apply for benefits.

One such scam involves texts telling you that you need to apply for funding for winter heating payments. This is a scam – ignore and delete. Winter heating payments are automatic for people who are eligible.

Another popular scam at Christmas is a text or email saying you have a parcel waiting that doesn’t have enough postage paid on it. Do not respond. You will normally get a card through the door if genuine.

You can find out more information to protect yourself from scams at the National Cyber Security Centre at https://ilf.scot/go/ncsc.

Anyone who thinks they have been the victim of fraud should contact their bank immediately. You can
report fraud to Police Scotland by calling 101. Or in Northern Ireland report via the Action Fraud website at https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ or phone 0300 123 2040.

Complaints

The team at ILF Scotland is committed to providing a high-quality service. However, we understand that sometimes things might not go as planned. If our service does not meet your expectations, please let us know so we can work to resolve the issue.

We value all feedback, including complaints, as it helps us improve the way we do things. For more information, please see our Complaints Handling Procedure at https://ilf.scot/go/complaints-handling

You can also view how to make a complaint and our current complaint statistics at https://ilf.scot/how-to-make-a-complaint

To make it easier for you to share any concerns, we now have a new email address: complaints@ilf.scot. Please contact us directly so we can address your concerns as quickly as possible.

Have Your Say!

During a recent audit of our communications and engagement activity, we received a good rating, however we are always striving to improve and would love to hear from you to know what we can do better.

If you have any ideas or would like to make any suggestions for what you want to see in future newsletters, please let us know.

We are also keen to ensure that all recipients and award managers receive communication in a way that suits their needs. If you want to receive updates in a different way, please tell us.

Thanks for reading this newsletter. We hope you found it interesting.

Follow Us

Did you know you can keep up to date with everything ILF Scotland by following us on our socials?

We regularly post things that are happening in Scotland and Northern Ireland and things that might be of interest.

We’ve recently taken part in Scottish Learning Disability Week and Care Experienced Week, sharing content throughout the weeks.

Keep In Touch

Follow us

Facebook – @IndependentLivingFundScotland
X – @ILFScotland
Instagram – @ILFScotland

Independent Living Fund Scotland
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Almondvale Way
Livingston
EH54 6GA.

T: 0300 200 2022
E: enquiries@ILF.scot

ILF Scotland Limited is a company limited by guarantee registered in Scotland Company Number SC500075.

Registered office Ground Floor, Denholm House, Almondvale Way, Livingston EH54 6GA

202504 - Scotland Advisory Group Minutes - April 2025

Note of Meeting

Scotland Advisory Group

2 April via Zoom

Present

Jim Elder-Woodward - Chairperson
Justina Oguguo
Joan Turner
Kate Walsh left at 12.54 pm
Martha Shortreed
Chris Mercer
Gordon McKee
Andy Higgins left at 12.29 pm
Chloe McKee left at 12.36 pm

In Attendance

Steven Hanlon left at 12.29 pm
Maree Todd left at 12.29 pm

ILF Scotland Staff

Peter Scott
Lee House
Harvey Tilley
Emma O’Neill
Karen Burnett
Robert White joined at 12.50 pm

List of Actions:

1. Emma / Lee to send out the Strategy Draft report for review and comment from the Group.

1. Welcome and Introductions

Jim welcomed everyone to the meeting. Everyone agreed that Lee would record the meeting.

2. Minutes from the previous meeting

Minutes agreed and signed off. Lee to pass to communications team to upload to ILF Scotland website.

Actions from previous meeting

1. Lee to send out the terms of reference so group members can vote on chair and vice chair. (Done)

2. ILF Scotland to draft a letter for Jim to send to ministers to ask about timescales for removing Available Income charges. (Done)

3. Ms Todd, Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport

Jim asked everyone to introduce themselves to minister before starting the meeting. Each group member described the impact of having ILF Scotland funding and what they enjoyed doing in their life because of it.

Jim agreed with the Minister to send an email with anything that couldn’t be covered in the allotted time.

Jim asked the Minster about abolishing available income and whether this was likely to happen.

The Minister thanked everyone for their hard work that was completed to get the ILF Scotland fund re-opened. The Minister advised that the Scottish Government is still committed to reviewing non-residential care charges. The Minister feels the best way of working is to concentrate on delivering this as part of a broader piece of social work care charging and part of the broader reform of social care.

The Minister stated she understands the frustration of the stakeholder group on this matter. The Minister advised that ILF Scotland funding will not be stopped within her tenure and gave personal assurance on this matter.

The Minister discussed the problems encountered when trying to implement the recommendations of the Feeley report. The Minister advised that if we are not able to deliver the change that we need to see, then there will be questions to be answered by those who opposed the change. We are in the process of setting up the advisory boards while linking in with COSLA on this matter. The board has been set up to help advise the Minister on matters and the hope is this is all transparent.

The Minister stated she would like more money than there currently is being invested in Social Care across Scotland.

The Minister advised at the start of summer, last year, they made an agreement to stand back from negotiations because they were worried about capacity within COSLA because of the need to focus on delay discharge issues. They then put the negotiations on the Shared Accountability Agreement to one side, and they said we'll pause for a period of time until we get some traction on the discharge issue.

The Minister advised that the Scottish Government can't deliver an improvement in social care without local authorities being involved and without them being a part of it.

The Minister added if we don't make progress, then there will have to be a change in the way we approach it.

Jim raised the issue of having a Group Member present on the Advisory Board.

There needs to be a balance between being small and agile and having an adequate representation that we had as part of the NCS Advisory Board.

The Minister advised the Group that it will be led by someone who has lived experience and has the right skill set to make progress in what's going to be a difficult situation which brings voices together who are fiercely independent.

The Minister stated the Scottish Government are committed to the uplift of the hourly rate for social care workers. The Minister agreed that the rate of pay across all social care sectors needs more investigation and work to ensure everyone is paid fairly.

4. Matters Arising

Peter gave the Stakeholder Group an update on the re-opened Scotland fund. The current applications submitted is at 700, going into year two ILF Scotland will need to manage the budget carefully and not to overspend.

5. Review Visit Update

Robert advised the Group that the assessor team had completed 1,060 reviews in the last year. The turnaround time for completing reviews has come down from 171 days to 121 days. The hold-up with completing reviews is awaiting confirmation of packages from the Local Authorities.

Robert advised the Group that the re-opened fund now has 793 applications with a turnaround time of 90 days which is less than a 2015 fund review but is still too long.

6. PVG Membership

Karen advised the Group on the new PVG legislation that came into operation as of April 1st, 2025. Karen advised it is now mandatory for PAs to be members of the scheme. As is a regulated rule there being a 3-month grace period for people joining the scheme before any action is taken. The onus is on the PA to join the scheme. There is now information on the ILF Scotland website about the changes. Karen has asked members to submit any feedback or information they hear about PAs joining the scheme.

7. Feedback Strategy

All the feedback from the events has been brought together in a draft report which will be shared with the Group to gather further feedback.

8. Any Other Business

Linda confirmed there will be a 10th Celebration event happening in June and the team were working on securing a venue.

9. Future Meeting Dates & Arrangements

The next meeting is 29 May 2025.

202507 - Newsletter - July 2025

Contents

ILF Scotland Celebrates 10 Years

ILF Scotland New Strategic Plan

Re-opened Independent Living Fund

Social Care Wage Increase

Employers National Insurance (NI) Contributions

Charter for Involvement

Mainstreaming and Equality Outcomes Report

Corporate Parenting Plan

ILF Awards: Working Families Best Practice Award Winner

Employing Personal Assistants

New Free E-Learning Modules Launched for Employers of Personal Assistants

Pension Age Disability Payment

Family Fund Dedicated Grants Programme

Scotland

PVG Scheme

National Care Service Update

Save the Date: Scottish Carers Parliament

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland Advisory Group Recruitment

Tell Us Your Story: Case Study

Complaints

Have Your Say

Keep in Touch

ILF Scotland Celebrates 10 Years

ILF Scotland Marked 10 Years of Assisting Disabled People to Live Independently in Scotland and Northern Ireland

This summer, ILF Scotland and it’s Scotland and Northern Ireland Advisory Groups proudly marked the organisation’s 10-year anniversary in supporting disabled people to live independent lives, with special celebration events in Edinburgh and Belfast. You can view videos and photographs of the events on our website https://ilf.scot/news-post/celebrating-10-years-of-ilf-scotland/

Event in Edinburgh

A celebratory event was held in Edinburgh on 25 June 2025 at the Novotel Edinburgh Park. ILF Scotland Advisory Group members, recipients, carers, personal assistants, and partners from across government, public sector, and not-for-profit organisations gathered to mark the occasion.

Speeches were delivered from advocates of disability and human rights. There was also a brilliant performance from GDA’s (Glasgow Disability Alliance) Purple Ponchos, heartfelt poetry, and inspiring stories from people sharing how ILF Scotland has helped them live with choice, dignity, and independence.

Attendees spoke enthusiastically about ILF re-opening in Scotland and overall, it was a day full of reflection and laughter and celebrated the amazing things disabled people achieved with their funding.

Peter Scott OBE, CEO of Independent Living Scotland said:

“We’ve celebrated 10 years of ILF. A decade of empowering disabled people to live independently, with dignity, with choice and with control.

“ILF Scotland was born from a moment of uncertainty. A period of anxiety. But also, of opportunity. It was created because disabled people raised their voices. And here in Scotland and in Northern Ireland, those voices were heard.”

Dr Jim Elder-Woodward, Chairperson, ILF Scotland Advisory Group said:

“ILF Scotland enables people to wake up in the morning to a purposeful day, be that, going to a football match, a college, or a job. A purposeful life is one in which the person can choose and organise what they do, where they go, and who they meet. But to have a purposeful life, people need to be supported by a purpose-led organisation. And that’s what ILF Scotland is – an organisation in unison with disabled people and their right to independence and participative citizenship.

“It is a breath of fresh air to trust such a trustworthy organisation as ILF Scotland. As we celebrate its tenth anniversary, we should be proud of having such a purpose-led organisation. It is a bright beacon, shining the way to purposeful lives for disabled people.”

Celebration Event in Stormont

On the evening of Thursday 3 July 2025, ILF Scotland’s 10-year anniversary was marked with a special celebration event at Stormont entitled ‘Life Worth Living’.

The evening featured powerful and impactful speeches from advocates for disability rights including ILF recipients, members of the ILF Scotland Northern Ireland Advisory Group, disabled people who receive ILF funding and those who do not, all who shared personal stories about what independent living means to them and others.

It was a wonderful evening and one of the core messages was a renewed call for the re-opening of the Independent Living Fund in Northern Ireland, so that more disabled people can access the support they need to live full, independent lives.

Mike Nesbitt, Minister for Health in Northern Ireland said:

“I want to acknowledge the significant contribution of the ILF Scotland Northern Ireland Advisory Group has made over 10 years in helping to ensure the delivery of the fund to recipients has been so effective and efficient in Northern Ireland.

“I understand fully the importance of ILF to those who receive its support and the very positive contribution it makes to their daily lives, enabling them to live independently in the community.”

David McDonald, Chairperson, ILF Scotland Northern Ireland Advisory Group said:“The Independent Living Fund makes all the difference to disabled people. It makes life worth living. This cannot be expressed too strongly! We fought to keep it here in Northern Ireland and with the help of our politicians and Ministers we succeeded - but only for those already in receipt of it. It is a tragedy and a travesty that others like us are deprived of it and of lives worth living like ours. It is well beyond time for that to change."

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ILF Scotland New Strategic Plan

ILF Scotland supports disabled people in Scotland and Northern Ireland to live independently. Living independently does not mean doing everything alone, it means having the support needed to make choices and take part in everyday life, just like anyone else.

ILF Scotland provides money to help people arrange the care and support that works best for them, giving them more freedom and control. The current strategic plan, called Hope & Ambition, sets out how ILF Scotland will continue to support independent living. It focuses on listening to disabled people, working together with partners, and improving services. The plan highlights the importance of involving people in decisions that affect them, using flexible funding, and creating services that are easier to use.

In March this year, over seventy people came together at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre in Glasgow to take part in a Strategy Co-production event. Attendees included ILF recipients, award managers, local authorities, and organisations led by disabled people. Everyone worked together to review the draft strategy and make sure it reflects what matters most to those who use the fund.

The atmosphere was positive and full of energy. Many people shared their views, and feedback from the event showed how important it is to involve people directly. One person said it was “inspiring to see the dedication and passion behind the work you all are doing,” and another said, “it was nice to be consulted and heard.”

This event followed a series of earlier sessions held in 2024. All the input from these sessions helped shape the draft plan. ILF Scotland is now finalising the strategy, and we will publish it on our website soon.

In addition to the main fund, ILF Scotland also offers support to young disabled people aged 16 to 25 through the Transition Fund, helping them move on from school services and into adult life. We have also made a strong commitment to support care-experienced young people and to make sure equality, safety, and sustainability are central to everything we do.

ILF Scotland’s goal is to keep improving the way support is delivered, making sure disabled people are always at the heart of the decisions that affect their lives.

You can read more about the strategy event in Glasgow at: https://ilf.scot/blog-post/great-turnout-for-ilf-scotland-strategy-event/

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Re-opened Independent Living Fund

It has been more than a year since the Independent Living Fund (ILF) opened again in Scotland, so we wanted to share a short update on how things are going.

What We Have Been Doing?

We have been working closely with social work teams across Scotland to let more people know about the fund and how to apply. So far, we have run more than 80 information sessions with local teams, and the feedback has been incredibly positive. Applications are steadily increasing, with about 980 received to date.

Why People Are Applying

People are asking for help with:

Who Can Apply?

To apply for the reopened ILF, a person must:

At the moment, local authorities complete the application for individuals, and ILF Scotland assesses and reviews each one.

What Can ILF Scotland Provide?

ILF Scotland can award up to £330 per week. This funding is for extra support and is meant to add to, not replace, the help people already get from their local authority.

Ongoing Work

We established a Co-Production Working Group in October 2023 before we re-opened. 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.

Our Co-Production Working Group, and its smaller teams, has met 16 times this past year. We are very thankful to everyone involved for their time and effort, which helped us reopen the fund on schedule. The group continues to meet as we look at how to improve things going forward.

Right now, they are focusing on two key areas:

To stay updated and see real examples of how the fund is helping people, visit our website: https://ilf.scot/independent-living-fund/re-opening-ilf/

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Social Care Wage Increase

Scotland - The Scottish Government increased the Scottish Living Wage from £12.00 to £12.60 per hour implemented from 1 April 2025.

Northern Ireland – The Department of Health in Northern Ireland increased the minimum PA hourly rate from £11.44 to £12.56 per hour from 1 April 2025.

ILF Scotland applied these increases to the awards of all recipients who employ Personal Assistants (PAs). You should have received a letter from us advising you about this.

If you use a Payroll Agency, please make sure they are paying the new rate, effective from 1 April 2025.

If you get assistance from a provider instead of employing PAs directly, they might increase their prices to reflect the wage rise. If they do, they must let you know in writing Please send us a copy of the letter they send to you. Please note, we normally backdate for up to four weeks only.

If you have questions, please contact your caseworker on 0300 200 2022 or email enquiries@ilf.scot.

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Employers National Insurance (NI) Contributions

In the 2024 Autumn Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the rate of employers’ national insurance contributions will increase from 13.8% to 15%, from 6 April 2025.

In addition, the level at which employers start paying national insurance contributions (the secondary threshold) has been reduced from £9,100 to £5,000 per year.

To help small businesses employers offset the increased NI costs, the Employment Allowance, which helps eligible employers reduce their NIC liability, has risen from £5,000 to £10,500, and the 100,000 eligibility threshold has been removed.

This means that most of our recipients who employ PAs will not be adversely affected by the changes to employers NI contributions providing you claim the Employment Allowance. For those recipients who employ a large team of PAs, there is a chance that you will exceed the £10,500 Employment Allowance threshold in respect of your total annual employer NI contribution. If this happens, please contact your ILF Scotland Caseworker on 03002002022 to discuss or email on enquiries@ILF.scot

For more information visit https://tinyurl.com/2sn7cy9w

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Charter for Involvement

The Charter for Involvement was developed by the National Involvement Network, supported by ARC Scotland. The Charter establishes how disabled people who use support services want to be involved and to have a say about the services they receive, the organisations that provide their services, and their wider communities.

ILF Scotland adopted its version of the Charter in 2018 and have been working with our Advisory Groups in Scotland and Northern Ireland since then to develop and deliver Charter priorities.

We are pleased to publish an update of progress against our Charter for Involvement Action Plan for 2024 to 2025 on our website.

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Mainstreaming and Equality Outcomes Report

In April 2024, we were pleased to publish our third Mainstreaming and Equalities Outcome Report for 2024 to 2026. This outlines what we aimed to do to deliver our public sector equality duties. Equality is at the heart of what we do as an organisation and runs through all our activities, thoughts, behaviours, and plans.

We have now published an update of the progress we have made in the first year of our action plan. You can read more about this on our website We have now published an update of the progress we have made in the first year of our action plan. https://ilf.scot/publication/mainstreaming-and-equality-update-april-2025/

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Corporate Parenting Plan

ILF Scotland was delighted to introduce our Corporate Parenting Plan for 2024 to 2027 in April last year. ILF Scotland’s key purpose is to empower disabled people to live independently through our funds. The Transition Fund specifically supports young disabled people aged 16 to 25 to help them move from school or children’s services to be more independent, to continue spending time with other people, and to be active in their communities.

We work with other corporate parents and care experienced young people to identify how we can improve our plans, services, and processes. This is our second Corporate Parenting Plan and as a public body of the Scottish Government, we are committed to supporting Scottish Ministers in their role as corporate parents.

You can read the Corporate Parenting Action Plan 2024 to 2027 – Update of Progress at April 2025 on the ILF Scotland website https://ilf.scot/publication/corporate-parenting-plan-update-april-2025/.

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ILF Awards: Working Families Best Practice Award Winner

We are immensely proud to share that Aileen McNiven, our Head of Business Services at ILF Scotland, has won the Family Friendly Championof the Year award at the 2025 Working Families Best Practice Awards. This national award celebrates people and organisations that make the workplace better for parents and carers.

Aileen was recognised for her outstanding work creating a supportive and flexible workplace, where staff can balance their jobs with family or caring responsibilities. Her leadership has helped make this approach a key part of ILF Scotland’s values.

Aileen said she was delighted to win and thanked her colleagues for their teamwork and dedication over the past 10 years. Her win puts ILF Scotland among other top UK organisations showing how to create better ways of working for everyone.

Read more about this on our website: https://ilf.scot/news-post/aileen-mcniven-wins-uk-wide-family-friendly-champion-of-the-year-at-the-2025-working-families-awards/

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Employing Personal Assistants

Many people who receive support from ILF Scotland choose to employ a Personal Assistant, often called a PA. A PA is someone you can hire to help with everyday tasks and activities, such as personal care, household chores, or going out. Employing a PA can give you greater independence and flexibility in managing your daily life.

If you are interested in employing a Personal Assistant, there is helpful information available online to support you.

For more details, please visit the ILF Scotland webpage:

https://ilf.scot/independent-living-fund/advice-for-award-managers/employing-a-personal-assistant/

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New Free E-Learning Modules Launched for Employers of Personal Assistants

Are you looking for training to help you be a good PA employer? Free e-learning training aimed at Personal Assistants and their Employers is now available on Self Directed Support Scotland's Learning Hub.

The modules include:

You can visit the Learning Hub here - https://learning.handbook.scot/

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Pension Age Disability Payment

Pension Age Disability Payment is now open for applications across Scotland. The national rollout follows successful pilots in 18 local authority areas, which began in October 2024.

It is the fifteenth benefit to be delivered by the Scottish Government and it is replacing the UK Government’s Attendance Allowance, delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions.

Pension Age Disability Payment is for disabled people or those with a long-term health condition or terminal illness, who need help with activities of daily living and / or support to stay safe. It is available to people of State Pension age. People currently getting Attendance Allowance do not need to take any action; the transfer will happen automatically in phases throughout 2025. Everyone will continue to receive their payments on time and in the right amount.

You can find more information on Social Security Scotland's website - https://www.socialsecurity.gov.scot/guidance-resources/resources/pension-age-disability-payment-factsheet-easy-read

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Family Fund Dedicated Grants Programme

The Family Fund has launched the Your Opportunity grants programme, which aims to enhance the life of disabled, or seriously ill, young adults, aged 18 to 24 years old, living at home. Young people cannot apply on their own but applications should come from parents or carers.

Funding for Your Opportunity is limited, and applications are accepted from families on a first-come, first-served basis, until funding is fully allocated.

This is available for those living anywhere in the UK.

For more information visit the Family Fund website: https://www.familyfund.org.uk/grants/schemes/your-opportunity

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Scotland

PVG Scheme

Changes to PVG Legislation – Effective 1 April 2025

From 1 April 2025, under the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020, anyone in a regulated role, including Personal Assistants (PAs) must be a member of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme.

It is a legal requirement for the PA, rather than the employer, to make sure they are a member. We strongly recommend that PAs do not delay in submitting their application. If a PA is already a member of the scheme, no action is required.

Whilst employers have no legal obligations, it is recommended that they check the PVG membership and request a copy of the certificate from their PA.

For more information on the changes and applicable fees, please visit: https://ilf.scot/blog-post/disclosure-scotland-pvg-changes/

https://www.sdsscotland.org.uk/news/upcoming-changes-to-pvg-for-personal-assistants-what-you-need-to-know/

If your PA is self-employed, they can find out more information at https://www.mygov.scot/apply-to-pvg-scheme/self-employed

https://www.mygov.scot/organisations/disclosure-scotland

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National Care Service Update

The Scottish Government has established an interim Advisory Board to support the development of the National Care Service (NCS). The Board will develop an approach to ensure that real life experience helps to shape social care, social work, and community health reform. Ministers expect it to take serval months for the Board to develop into its final form.

Susan Douglas-Scott CBE has been appointed as Interim Chair. Susan is a previous chair of ILF Scotland’s Board. The current Chair of our Board, Anne-Marie Monaghan was also nominated as a member of the NCS Advisory Board representing ILF Scotland.

The interim chair has emphasised the importance of lived experience in shaping social care reform and said:

“The Board will play a key role in our work to improve social care, social work and community health services by making sure they are consistent, fair and high quality.”

ILF Scotland Board Chair, Anne-Marie Monaghan said:

“The National Care Service is a big opportunity to make things better for people who need care and support.

“It is important that we listen to those with lived experience and make sure their voices shape the services.

“Everyone should have the right to live with dignity, choice and control and this new service must help make that happen.”

The first meeting of the interim Advisory Board took place on 21 May 2025.

The full information around this is available on the Scottish Government website:

https://www.gov.scot/groups/national-care-service-interim-advisory-board

At ILF Scotland, we will continue to monitor progress as the NCS development progresses and provide future updates in the newsletter.

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Save the Date: Scottish Carers Parliament

The Carers Parliament is an annual event for unpaid carers in Scotland, giving them the opportunity to address their concerns and questions on caring directly to national and local Government decision-makers.

This year, the event will take place at the Apex Grassmarket Hotel in Edinburgh and online, on Thursday 30 October 2025.

With a new Scottish Parliament to be elected next year, this year will be looking at 2026 and beyond to address the main priorities for unpaid carers and how their lives can be improved.

The Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing Tom Arthur MSP and the Health and Social Care Spokesperson for COSLA, Councillor Paul Kelly have confirmed their attendance.

If you are attending in person, Carers Scotland offer expenses to carers for the costs of travel and where required, replacement care, accommodation (for those travelling further) and subsistence.

To find out more and book your place visit: https://ilf.scot/go/carers-parliament.

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Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland Advisory Group Recruitment

The Northern Ireland Advisory Group (previously called the Northern Ireland Stakeholder Group) is looking for new members, especially from our current ILF recipients.

As a member of the group, you can:

We would love to hear from you if you would like to help shape the way we deliver services to our disabled recipients in Northern Ireland.

David McDonald, Northern Ireland Advisory Group Chair, said:

“As Chair of the ILF Scotland Northern Ireland Advisory Group, I am inviting new members, especially current ILF recipients, to join us and have their voices heard.

“Being part of the group means you can share your experiences, offer valuable feedback on how the fund is working, and help shape policies that improve support for disabled people across Northern Ireland.

“If you want to play a role in shaping the future of these vital services, we would love to hear from you.”

Please see our website for a video recording from David, talking about the Group. https://youtu.be/4wztp3JW65A

Niqi Rainey, Northern Ireland Advisory Group Member and award manager for her daughter said:

“We warmly invite passionate individuals to join us in shaping a future where independent living is accessible to all.

“Your voice and experience can make a real difference in driving positive change for our communities across Northern Ireland.

“Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive society, come and be part of this important journey with us.”

Caroline Wheeler, Northern Ireland Advisory Group Member, and award manager for her son said:

“Being part of the Northern Ireland Advisory Group has given me the opportunity to share my personal experience as an ILF recipient and help shape the way support is delivered.

“It is empowering to know that my voice contributes to making real improvements for disabled people across Northern Ireland.

“I encourage others who use the fund to get involved and help influence positive change.”

Robert Dallas, Northern Ireland Advisory Group Member, and award manager for his son said:

“Joining the Northern Ireland Advisory Group has been a rewarding experience; it is a chance to speak up about what works well and what could be better in the fund’s services.

“I have found it really valuable to connect with others who share similar experiences and to contribute towards building a more inclusive future for all disabled people in Northern Ireland.”

If you are interested in joining or just want to find out more, please contact Linda Scott, Director for Policy, Improvement, and Engagement at ILF Scotland by email at Linda.Scott@ILF.scot who will be happy to chat with you about how to get involved.

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Tell Us Your Story

Case Study

Joanne aged 39 from Co Antrim has received ILF for over 20 years.

Joanne has Hypo-Melanosis of ITO, narrowing of the pulmonary artery along with other health complications.

Joanne uses her funding to pay for a Personal Assistant, and this enables her to live a very sociable independent life.

View Joanne’s case study on the ILF Scotland website: https://ilf.scot/case-study/joannes-story/

We believe that sharing your stories is the most powerful way to show others how our funding positively impacts people with disabilities.

We would be thrilled to hear from our recipients about how ILF Scotland's support has helped you reach your independent living goals, just as Joanne’s has.

Email: communications@ilf.scot or call our main number on 0300 200 2022.

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Complaints

The team at ILF Scotland is committed to providing a high-quality service. However, we understand that sometimes things might not go as planned. If our service does not meet your expectations, please let us know so we can work to resolve the issue.

We value all feedback, including complaints, as it helps us improve the way we do things. For more information, please see our Complaints Handling Procedure at https://ilf.scot/go/complaints-handling

You can also view how to make a complaint and our current complaint statistics at https://ilf.scot/how-to-make-a-complaint

To make it easier for you to share any concerns, we now have a new email address: complaints@ilf.scot. Please contact us directly so we can address your concerns as quickly as possible.

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Have Your Say!

During a recent audit of our communications and engagement activity we received a ‘good’ rating, however we are always striving to improve and would love to hear from you to know what we can do better.

If you have any ideas or would like to make any suggestions for what you want to see in next year’s newsletters, please let us know.

We are also keen to ensure that all recipients and award managers receive communication in a way that suits their needs. If you want to receive updates in a different way, please tell us.

Thanks for reading this newsletter. We hope you found it interesting. If you have feedback or ideas for future issues, please get in touch. We would love to hear from our recipients about how ILF Scotland support has helped you. Email: communications@ilf.scot or call our main number 0300 200 2022.

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Keep In Touch

Follow us

Facebook – @IndependentLivingFundScotland

X – @ILFScotland

Instagram – @ILFScotland

Independent Living Fund Scotland

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Almondvale Way,

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T: 0300 200 2022

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ILF Scotland Limited is a company limited by guarantee registered in Scotland Company Number SC500075.

Registered office Ground Floor, Denholm House, Almondvale Way, Livingston EH54 6GA

202412 - Scotland Advisory Group Minutes - December 2024

Note of Meeting

Scotland Advisory Group

5 December 2024 @ West Beer Brewery

Present

Jim Elder-Woodward - Chairperson
Justina Oguguo
Joan Turner
Kate Walsh
Martha Shortreed
Chris Mercer

In Attendance

Mary Bell

ILF Scotland Staff

Peter Scott
Lee House
Harvey Tilley

Apologies

Catherine Symington
Chloe McKee
Gordon Mckee
Linda Scott
Nic Reid
Stuart McCabe
Andy Higgins

List of Actions:

1. Lee to send out the terms of reference so group members can vote decide on chair and vice chair.

2. ILF Scotland to draft letter for Jim to send to ministers to ask about timescales on removing Available Income charges.

1. Welcome and Introductions

Jim welcomed everyone to the meeting. Everyone agreed that Lee would record the meeting.

2. Minutes from previous meetings

Minutes agreed and signed off. Lee to pass to communications team to upload to ILF Scotland website.

Actions from previous meeting:

1. Peter will seek a response from Scottish Government regarding ILF Scotland charges. (Done)

2. Lee to look at alternative venues for the Christmas lunch and meeting. (Done)

3. Lee to send out the minutes from the Joint Stakeholder Group and arrange next meetings in October. (Done)

3. Matters Arising

Harvey advised the group that ILF Scotland held 4 online events to co-produce the 2025 to 2028 Strategy. Held online as more economical but one in-person event planned for early 2025. Harvey advised that around half the planned attendees attended, however, the level of engagement and quality of feedback was very strong. One of the main themes emerging around unpaid care and the threshold sum of the re-opened fund, which people think is a bit high. Flexibility of funding has also been raised and how ILF Scotland can even more flexible than it currently is. The particular difficulties faced by people living in rural areas was also mentioned as well as recruitment of PAs and the cost-of-living crisis.

Justina asked Harvey where we are with the National Insurance changes. Harvey advised Peter would address this on arrival at the meeting.

4. Terms of Reference / Chairperson and Vice Chairperson Review

Harvey discussed the terms of reference and detailed requirements for a meeting and terms of appointment. It was agreed that Lee would send out the Terms of Reference to allow members to view and vote on a Chair and Vice person.

5. Re-Opening 2015 Fund Update

Harvey advised the group that as of 5 December 2024 we have had 367 applications to the re-opened fund. 112 have been registered on the system but have not been completed. 103 applications have gone into payment.

Harvey advised that a number of local authorities that have not submitted any applications. Edinburgh and East Renfrewshire have submitted the most applications.

Harvey advised that ILF Scotland Assessors have spent a considerable amount of time supporting local authorities in training and raising awareness of the re-opened fund. Local authorities have struggled to have staff available to support the identification of eligible people and the submitting of applications. The co-production working group is keen to pursue the potential for a citizen led application approach, supported by third sector organisations but this could take up to 12 months to implement. Harvey advised that the potential inclusion of an unpaid care component within the threshold sum is being considered, which would reduce the amount of SDS budget people need to be in receipt of to be legible for the fund.

The average award for all currently in payment is £290.00 per week. The threshold sum review paper has been submitted for the next co-production meeting in early 2025.

Peter joined the meeting at 12.35 pm.

The group asked if one of the DPO links could be with Citizen Advice Bureau to support submitting applications.

The group felt ILF Scotland staff supporting applications being submitted would be a great idea moving forward.

6. Review Visit Update

Harvey advised the group that the review visits are now up to date. Current issues arising include availability of social workers for review meetings. It has been difficult to get the correct people at the meetings. There have also been a number of payroll and award management issues.

7. Policy Update

Peter advised the group that there had been a reply to the letter sent to the Government regarding Available Income removal. The letter stated the Government are dedicated to removing the AI charges along with the wider reform of social care charges. There is no commitment to timescale on this matter but will continue to work towards the changes needed to abolish charging.

8. PA Awareness Raising Campaign

Carried forward to the next meeting.

9. Any Other Business

None

10. Future Meeting Dates & Arrangements

Wednesday 12 March 2025

202412 - Northern Ireland Stakeholder Group Minutes - December 2024

Note of Meeting

Northern Ireland Stakeholder Group

Tuesday 10 December, 11.00 am to 3.00 pm 2024.

The Mount Conference Centre and via Zoom

Permanent Members Present

David McDonald (Chairperson)
Caroline Wheeler
Charles Rainey
Niqi Rainey
Robert Dallas

Affiliate Members Present

Amanda Paul

ILF Scotland Representatives in Attendance

Peter Scott
Harvey Tilley
Linda Scott
Robert White joined at PM via Zoom
Lee House
Karen Burnett via Zoom
Jackie Aitken via Zoom

Other

Colin Dunlop

Permanent Members Apologies

Colette Jones
Michaela Hollywood

Affiliate Members Apologies

None

List of Actions:

  1. David to write a letter to the Minster of Health asking him to meet with the Group.
  2. Sandra to produce practice note on Universal Credit. Lee to email out to Group.
  3. Lee to contact Frances McHugh and ensure he includes her in any mail outs concerning the NI Advisory Group.

1. Welcome, Introductions, Apologies & Housekeeping

David welcomed everyone to the Meeting.

Lee Informed the Members of the fire exits.

2. Minutes from Previous Meeting

The Group approved the previous Meeting’s minutes. ILF Scotland’s Communications Team will upload to the website.

Actions from previous Meeting

List of Actions:

1. Lee / Linda to write to all Permanent Members who have not attended sufficient Group Meetings since before Covid-19 and, in accordance with our Terms of Reference, to ask them to confirm that they no longer wish to remain with the Group. (Done)

2. David to confirm with Kieran that he has formerly stepped down as Vice Chairperson and as a Permanent Member. (Done)

3. Linda/Colin to ask an adviser/expert on Universal Credit to attend an upcoming Stakeholder Meeting. (Pending)

4. David to follow up IMNI membership. (Done)

5. Linda to email out changes to the Terms of Reference for Permanent Members to review and agree, alongside the Group name change & Election of Chairperson and Vice Chairperson, with their respective roles and responsibilities. (Done)

6. Lee to email out Christmas Lunch arrangements. (Done)

3. Matters Arising

Caroline raised a recent review she had attended as Award Manager with reference to night hours. She is of the view that PAs should be paid a minimum of the National Minimum Wage at night. David agreed and referred to HMRC guidance regarding sleepover rates and the consideration employers should give to determining what rate to pay.

David Informed Members that he had contacted Collette, who wishes to remain on the Advisory Group, and Kieran, who has stepped down as a Permanent Member and Vice Chairperson.

David referred to the Event planned for Parliament Buildings In the first week of December and expressed regret at having had to postpone it, a result of his serious ill health over recent months giving no time to plan.

David reported on his attendance at a recent event at Belfast City Hall where he had met Mike Nesbitt, MLA, the Minister of Health, completely by chance and had taken the opportunity to ask for a meeting with him. The Minster had asked David to make a request through his Private Office.

Colin confirmed that the submission on re-opening ILF in NI is almost ready and that it needs financial scrutiny from colleagues, but the plan is that it will be submitted to the Minister prior to Christmas.

David asked Colin did he think it propitious to write to the Minister now, inviting him to meet with the Advisory Group. Colin advised this was the Group’s prerogative and pointed out that it will come to himself in the first instance for a response. The Group agreed a letter be sent.

The Group requested some advice on Universal Credit (UC). Sandra agreed to pick this up and produce a practice note for the next meeting, for the Group to consider before wider circulation to all Award Managers  Charles asked that ILF add examples and an FAQ to its website.

Linda advised the Group that ILF Scotland are producing blogs, case studies and content to raise awareness of the PA role.

4. Hourly Rate Increase

David stated that work is needed between now and April to secure additional funds from the Department of Health NI to enable ILF Scotland to match the Direct Payment (DP) annual rate increase and at the same time. David emphasized the importance of paying the increase from April each year to avoid delay In fulfilling Award Managers' employer responsibilities to increase wages in line with the National Minimum Wage Increase. Caroline pointed out that not everyone has sufficient funds to pay their PAs the preferred rate in advance of getting a backdated payment from ILF Scotland. All the Group agreed that ILF needs to align with the Direct Payment rate as this causes real issues for Award Managers trying to balance the books and backdating causes problems with Universal Credit in some cases.

Colin informed the Group that, In future, ILF annual increases will take place at the same time as Direct Payment annual increases, eradicating the problems described above. The Permanent Members very much welcomed this and David thanked Colin for all his work on this.

David raised the significant disparity between the hourly rate of and means of calculating Direct Payments and the Independent Living Fund and asked could they be aligned. Other Permanent Members concurred and raised concerns that they needed sufficient funds to ensure they as employers were acting legally, paying the proper wage and able to retain and recruit and that receiving a lower rate from ILF Scotland is problematic for Recipients of both trying to retain, recruit and manage at a lesser rate for ILF funded PAs.

Caroline reiterated concerns about paying lower rates at night and whether this was lawful and compliant with HMRC guidance. ILF Scotland confirmed that they are following HMRC advice and to pay everyone an hourly rate for sleepovers would require approval from the NI sponsor team (ILF Scotland don’t have the same permission in NI as they do from the Scottish Government) along with additional funding. Also, whilst there is no legal impediment to paying PAs different wages, ILF staff understand the practical difficulties this can cause Award Managers, which is why ILF assessors have always been able to match the Direct Payment rate as part of review visits. In addition, ILF Scotland confirmed that there are very few people in NI who ILF is only paying the minimum wage because annual percentage increases have been applied each year – 12%, then 4.2%, and now 9.8%, in line with the percentage increase to the National Minimum Wage (NMW).

Linda added that Colin gave approval for the 9.8% increase. However, there appear to be some discrepancies between payments being made to PAs by payroll companies and what ILF Scotland is paying. Staff have been looking into this but are now proposing to apply the 9.8% increase to all directly employed PAs but cap this at £14.10, which is the net equivalent to the current gross Direct Payment rate of £16.88. Anyone already receiving £14.10 or above would not receive an increase this financial year, ending 5th April 2025. In January 2025, ILF Scotland will go through a process of manually checking every award against the amounts made by payroll companies. Since CILNI is the largest provider, ILF Scotland has requested a meeting with them to start this process off. Linda noted that ILF Scotland does not necessarily know which payroll company Award Managers are using unless advised at review or in between reviews.

Niqi enquired about Employers' National Insurance Contributions and whether Award Managers could use accumulated funds to increase PA hourly rates, which her payroll company had advised could not be done. Linda said she was unaware of this and would have to investigate it to understand the issue better. David referenced the increase next financial year (2025/26) to employers National Insurance allowance, which is increasing from £5k to £10k, to help soften the blow to employers of the increase to contributions. Caroline shared that PA employers can claim back equipment and that HMRC have a list of what small employers can claim back through their business.

5. Membership Matters

David confirmed that Kieran has stepped down as Vice Chairperson and from the NI Advisory Group.

David confirmed also that Colette has stated her desire to remain as a Permanent Member. The other Permanent Members present agreed to this and wished her a speedy recovery and return.

Lee informed the Group that Frances has not been in touch. It was agreed that Lee should contact Frances and ensure he includes her in any mail outs concerning the NI Advisory Group.

David asked Lee to clarify who receives draft minutes. Lee confirmed that he sends the draft minutes only to; Amanda, Caroline (Wheeler), Colette, David, Frances, Michaela, Niqi and Robert; together with relevant members of ILF Scotland and the NI sponsor team.

The Permanent Members present extended their congratulations to Michaela on successfully securing a prominent position with CILNI and confirmed that this was no jeopardy to her current Permanent Membership, emphasizing that she is an ILF Recipient, and that any conflict of interest can be addressed within the Group’s Terms of Reference (TOR).

6. Terms of Reference

Permanent Members discussed and agreed unanimously the changes to the Terms of Reference (TOR).

Lee will circulate these to the Group in advance of the next meeting.

7. Election of Chairperson and Vice Chairperson

David accepted his nomination as Chairperson and was elected unanimously.

Caroline accepted her nomination as Vice Chairperson and was elected unanimously.

8. Policy Update

Linda advised there were no new updates on policy but recommended the Group view the email, sent by Lee, regarding revisions made to Policy 41 relating to flexible funding addition.

9. Any Other Business

Peter referred to the ILF Scotland Strategy which expires at the end of March 2025 and to the process of developing a new one and reported that engagement events were positive, albeit with lower numbers but with good input. Harvey detailed the feedback received from the events to date.

Can we have the Transformation Fund in NI?

Lack of, respectively Local Authority and local Trusts’, support universal across both Scotland and NI.

Can ILF re-open in NI?

Can ILF take over Direct Payment provision?

PA recruitment and increasing costs also raised.

Harvey explained that ILF Scotland staff will incorporate all feedback into a report which Linda will circulate to the Group. An in-person event is planned for Feb / March 2025. Peter suggested holding one in Scotland and one in NI.

Post meeting note – the NI event will be held on 4 March to coincide with the next NI Advisory Group Meeting. The one in Scotland is planned for 27 February.

Harvey added that the draft Strategy should be ready by the end of February and signed off for March, ready for publishing in April 2025.

Harvey concluded by confirming that ILF Scotland plans to organise a 10th birthday event in June next year, which will be a one-day event involving Advisory Group Members, of a smaller scale than previous joint stakeholder meetings, one in NI and one in Scotland.

10.  Next Meeting Arrangements

Lee to email out all dates for 2025. Next meeting 4 March 2025.

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