Joint COSLA / ILF Scotland Statement

1. Local Authorities have statutory assessment and care management responsibilities for those members of their communities who are assessed as needing social care support; ILF Scotland's role is to provide funding for additional and complementary independent living-focused support to disabled people over and above the statutory duties of local authorities.

2. COSLA and ILF Scotland recognise the added value that partnership and joined-up working delivers for the benefit of the disabled people who receive both statutory and additional ILF support - at the time of application to ILF and on an on-going basis.

3. It is recognised that at this time, when public sector budgets are under severe strain, it is more important than ever that local authorities and ILF Scotland maximise the value they can add in order to meet our shared ambition to support disabled people to live independent lives.

4. We are committed to working in partnership and believe that close collaboration is essential during the application and review of support arrangements for those we jointly sustain.

5. Whilst new applications will be led by local authority practitioners it is important to acknowledge that decisions on, and responsibility for, awarding ILF funds rest solely with ILF Scotland. 

6. ILF Scotland is governed by a set of operational policies which have historically offered a degree of flexibility and discretion to deliver the best possible outcomes for the recipients of the fund. Local authorities apply agreed eligibility criteria and also have flexibility in the support they can provide to meet individuals' outcomes through Self-directed Support. It is important that these respective flexibilities continue to be used to full effect in order to maximise the benefit of the cumulative resources to all those receiving support.

7. Whilst recognising the need for close dialogue and discussion in those cases where there is a dual funding arrangement COSLA members and ILF Scotland will continue to focus on fulfilling our discrete but complimentary responsibilities, ensuring that we maximise the positive impact of public funds on independent living outcomes for disabled people in Scotland.

8. Key Principles to support this partnership approach:

• The needs and wishes of the person being supported will be kept at the centre of the partnership.

• ILF Scotland will offer support and guidance to local authorities on the process and priorities for new applications.

• Local authorities recognise that ILF is not intended to fund assessed local eligible needs and will confirm, at the point of application, that this is the case.

• ILF Scotland and local authorities will share data to support effective joint working in the interests of applicants and recipients, in line with our data protection obligations.

• Early notification will be given of any reassessment of need and adjustment to the total level of funding provided by either the local authority or ILF Scotland.

• ILF Scotland and local authorities will apply maximum flexibility, as appropriate, with regard to funding decisions.

• There is joint acknowledgement of the different governance requirements and operational policies associated with local authority and ILF support provision.

• There is acknowledgment that local authorities have a statutory responsibility to use finite resources to support all individuals with eligible support needs through fair and flexible means.

• There will be timeous communication ahead of any final decision around allocation or reallocation of resources being taken by either the local authority or ILF Scotland.

COSLA and ILF Scotland
April 2024