Joint COSLA / ILF Scotland Statement

Introduction

COSLA and ILF Scotland are committed to supporting disabled people and people with learning disabilities and complex support needs to live independently and safely in their communities. We recognise that strong partnership working between Local Authorities, Health and Social Care Partnerships, NHS and ILF Scotland is essential to achieving positive outcomes for the people we jointly support.

Statement

1. Local Authorities have statutory assessment, care management and commissioning responsibilities for people who require social care support. ILF Scotland's role is to provide funding that complements statutory provision and supports additional independent living outcomes for disabled people and, through the Coming Home Fund, to support eligible individuals with learning disabilities and complex support needs to live in their communities.

2. COSLA and ILF Scotland recognise the added value that partnership and joined-up working delivers for disabled people, particularly where funding and support are provided through both statutory services and ILF Scotland funds.

3. We recognise that public resources remain under significant pressure. Maximising the impact of available resources through collaboration, flexibility and shared problem-solving is essential to achieving the best possible outcomes for individuals and communities.

4. We are committed to working in partnership and believe that close collaboration between ILF Scotland and local authorities is essential during application, assessment, review and support planning processes for people receiving jointly funded support.

5. Whilst applications are supported by local authority practitioners and other partners, responsibility for determining eligibility and awarding ILF Scotland funding rests solely with ILF Scotland.

6. ILF Scotland is governed by its own operational policies, which provide flexibility and discretion to support the achievement of independent living outcomes. Local Authorities apply their own statutory duties, eligibility frameworks and Self-directed Support arrangements. It is important that these respective responsibilities and flexibilities continue to be used effectively to maximise outcomes for those receiving support.

7. Through the Coming Home Fund, COSLA and ILF Scotland recognise a shared ambition to support people with learning disabilities and complex support needs to:

• move from hospital settings or inappropriate out-of-area placements back to their communities;
• remain in their community where existing support arrangements are at risk of breakdown; and
• access the personalised support required to promote independence.

8. The Coming Home Fund is intended to complement, and not replace, statutory responsibilities. Decisions regarding care and support assessments, accommodation arrangements, commissioning responsibilities and statutory duties remain with the relevant Local Authority, Health and Social Care Partnership and partner agencies.

9. Whilst recognising the need for ongoing dialogue where there are joint funding arrangements, COSLA members and ILF Scotland will continue to fulfil our distinct but complementary responsibilities while maximising the positive impact of public funds on independent and community living outcomes.

Key Principles Supporting this Partnership Approach

• The needs, preferences, aspirations and rights of the person being supported will remain at the centre of all decision-making.

• ILF Scotland will offer support and guidance on the application processes and priorities associated with all relevant ILF Scotland funds.

• Local Authorities recognise that ILF Scotland funding is not intended to replace statutory provision and will confirm, where required, that statutory responsibilities have been considered and addressed.

• Partners will work collaboratively to support safe and sustainable community-based arrangements which promote independent living and prevent unnecessary hospital admission, inappropriate out of area placements inappropriate out-of-area placements or placement breakdown.

• ILF Scotland and Local Authorities will share information where appropriate and lawful to support joint working and positive outcomes.

• Early notification will be given of any planned reassessments, service changes or adjustments to funding arrangements.

• There will be open, timely and constructive communication ahead of any significant decisions affecting jointly supported individuals.

• ILF Scotland and Local Authorities will seek to apply flexibility and creative problem-solving wherever appropriate and within their respective governance frameworks.

• There is a shared acknowledgement of the different governance, accountability and policy requirements applying to Local Authorities and ILF Scotland.

COSLA and ILF Scotland
2026