Press release

Transfer review programme code of practice

A new code of practice for the transfer review programme supports partnership working between the ILF and local authorities.

The Independent Living Fund (ILF), the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) and the Local Government Association (LGA) are pleased to announce the publication of a joint code of practice.

Transfer review programme code of practice

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The ILF launched its transfer review programme on 2 April 2013 to best support ILF users throughout the transition of their support to local authorities from 1 April 2015. The code of practice aims to enhance the effective delivery of the transfer review programme by setting out 10 key principles, which support partnership working between the ILF and local authorities in England.

Chief Executive of the ILF, James Sanderson, and joint chair of the ADASS physical disabilities network, John Nawrockyi, both commented on the publication of the code.

James Sanderson said:

We have worked in partnership with local authorities and disabled people and their organisations to develop our transfer review programme. This code of practice helps maintain our commitment to the principles of personalisation and outcome focused independent living support.

John Nawrockyi added:

Both ADASS and the LGA welcomed the opportunity to work with the ILF on this code of practice, and to demonstrate our commitment to secure effective arrangements for ILF users through the transition of their support.

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 care packages.

Welcoming the publication of the code, the Minister for Disabled People, Esther McVey said:

I am pleased that the ILF, ADASS and LGA have agreed this code of practice, which will be important in making the transition of support for ILF users as smooth as possible.

The ILF commenced the transfer review programme on 2 April and aims to complete it by 31 December 2014 in advance of closure of the ILF on 31 March 2015.

For more information contact David Smith, Head of Corporate Communications, by telephone on 0115 9450730 or email david.smith@ilf.gsi.gov.uk.

Notes to Editors

  1. The ILF is an executive non-departmental public body of the Department for Work and Pensions.
  2. The ILF makes cash payments to 18,000 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.
  3. 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.
  4. On 18 December 2012 the 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.
  5. 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.
  6. The 6-stage 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.
Published 7 May 2013