A new challenge has been posed at Westminster to the closure of the ILF.
This may or may not result in another judicial review challenging the process of the decision. However, Assembly Ministers have decided to continue with the process of drafting a consultation for Wales to ensure that there is a clear way forward should the ILF closure still go ahead. A short update from the Welsh Government setting out the process follows.
DWP Ministers have decided to close the ILF from 30 June next year. At that time responsibility and funding for meeting recipients’ care and support needs in Wales passes to the Welsh Government;
Having not originally been provided with the detail of this closure, the Deputy Minister for Social Services has now obtained this from DWP Ministers. This is so that the options for meeting ILF recipients’ future care needs can be considered and arrangements to meet these put in place in Wales in good time for when the ILF closes;
Welsh Government officials are now discussing with representatives of stakeholders in Wales, including the All Wales Forum, those options for meeting future care and support. Following this the Deputy Minister is to consult publicly this summer on these options so that she can take into account of people’s views in making her final decision later this year on the arrangements to be put in place for the future;
It should be stressed that right up until the point of closure next year, the ILF has given an assurance to the Deputy Minister that ILF recipients in Wales will continue to receive the support they currently receive
Please also find attached a link to the Westminster debate held with Mike Penning MP to discuss the issues and concerns. Daily Hansard Report for Westminster Hall – Wednesday 18 June 2014 – Independent Living Fund Recipients discussion (11am)
