TUDA STATEMENT ON ILF CLOSURE

In November 2013 a successful appeal was made to the High Court to stop the government from closing down the Independent Living Fund (ILF).

The ILF allows around 18,000 disabled people with complex care and support needs the opportunity to more easily interact within the wider community.

On March 6^th it was announced that following an equality impact assessment the government felt confident to justify their decision to close the scheme.

The Trade Union Disability Alliance strongly condemns the government for choosing to take this route.

In taking this course they have:

·       expressed a complete disregard for disabled people;
·       shown an indifference to the Court of Appeal decision; and,
·       flouted the right of independent living that is enshrined as one of the principles in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

TUDA believes that due to postcode lotteries and an ever dwindling public purse that local authorities would not be able to offer the same level of support and care afforded by the ILF.

And that as a result a shortfall in care packages will result in many thousands of disabled people facing a loss of independence which could result in:

·       unemployment;
·       economic exclusion;
·       social exclusion; and,
·       personal loneliness.