Transfer review programme code of practice: Wales
A new code of practice for the transfer review programme supports partnership working between the ILF and local authorities in Wales.
The Independent Living Fund (ILF), the Welsh Government, the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) and the Association of Directors of Social Services (ADSS) Cymru, are pleased to announce the publication of a joint code of practice.
The ILF launched its transfer review programme on 2 April 2013 to best support ILF users throughout the transition of their support from 1 April 2015. The code of practice aims to enhance the effective delivery of the transfer review programme by setting out 8 key principles, which support partnership working between the ILF and local authorities in Wales.
The Deputy Minister for Social Services, Gwenda Thomas, welcomed publication of the code. She said:
It is particularly important that we support those who receive funding during this period of transition, and that the ILF and local government in Wales work together to deliver a supportive transfer review programme.
Read the press release on ‘Preparing for closure of the Independent Living Fund in Wales’ (Welsh government website).
James Sanderson, Chief Executive of the ILF added:
I am very pleased to have enhanced our partnership with the Welsh government, the WLGA and ADSS Cymru, through agreeing this code of practice. This demonstrates our joint commitment to support ILF users in Wales through the transfer into new arrangements from 2015.
The code of practice takes account of feedback gathered during the consultation on the future of the ILF and subsequent engagement with local authorities and disabled people and their organisations. It will enhance the delivery of the transfer review programme, which will ensure that local authorities and ILF users have a clear picture of the outcomes being secured though their existing packages of support.
The ILF commenced the transfer review programme on 2 April and aims to complete it by 31 December 2014, in advance of the ILF closing on 31 March 2015.
For more information contact David Smith, Head of Corporate Communications, by telephone on 0115 9450730 or 07779 083493, or email david.smith@ilf.gsi.gov.uk.
Note sto editors
- The ILF is an executive non-departmental public body of the Department for Work and Pensions.
- The ILF makes cash payments to 18,200 disabled people with high support needs in all parts of the UK to assist with meeting the cost of the support they require to achieve independent living.
- The number of people in receipt of ILF payments in Wales is 1,733. The current forecast expenditure in Wales during 2013 to 2014 is £29.2 million.
- The ILF provides financial assistance under the terms of a single publicly financed discretionary Trust Deed – The Independent Living Fund (2006), governed by a board of 7 trustees.
- On 18 December 2012, the UK government announced it will close the ILF on 31 March 2015 and transfer responsibility for supporting ILF users to local authorities in England and the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- The ILF launched its transfer review programme on 2 April 2013 to deliver an effective transfer of support for ILF users. In response to feedback from the consultation on the future of the ILF, it sent users in each country of the UK a step by step guide explaining how the transfer programme will support them through this transition and how the process will work.
- The 6-stage transfer review programme includes a face-to-face visit from an ILF independent assessor to discuss users’ current support arrangements with them and their local authority. This discussion will be used to produce a comprehensive and outcome-focused support plan to assist users and their local authorities to discuss support arrangements from April 2015.