Issue - meetings

This report sets out the options and recommendations regarding the future of funding for Independent Living Fund (ILF) users.

RESOLVED:

      i.        Cabinet noted the national funding changes and the impact they have in Brent.

    ii.        Cabinet agreed to implement Option 1 as the most equitable and financially sustainable option.

Councillor Krupesh Hirani, Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing, introduced the report stating that the Independent Living Fund (ILF) was a national scheme set up in 1988 which funded care packages separately from Local Authorities.

He clarified that the ILF stopped taking new applicants in 2010, and closed for existing users on 30 June 2015 which resulted in Local Authorities becoming solely responsible for meeting the eligible needs of all those people under the Care Act 2014 as part of its core statutory duty.

In April 2015, Brent Council made a decision that whilst there was Central Government funding there would be no immediate reduction in support. However given the funding was not provided in perpetuity, the Council decided it would need to review all packages and determine the social care eligible level of need which may mean a reduction in funding for some individuals at some point. 

The long term funding settlement for ILF is now clear with the Government reducing the ILF grant provided to Brent Council every year until it completely ceases in 2020. This report sets out the options and recommendations regarding the future of funding for ILF users.

Members expressed a preference for Option 1.

RESOLVED:

      i.        Cabinet noted the national funding changes and the impact they have in Brent.

    ii.        Cabinet agreed to implement Option 1 as the most equitable and financially sustainable option.