Today is the day that the Independent Living Fund (ILF) finally closes, despite a long campaign to keep it open. The ILF helps 18,000 disabled people with the highest support needs to live independently.

“Today will be a day of deep anguish for many disabled people and their carers, as the government closes the Independent Living Fund. I have supported the campaign to save the ILF from the start and pledge to support its reinstatement.

“The government has passed the buck to local authorities without any guarantees that they can continue to meet disabled people’s needs. It is not just grossly irresponsible of this government to treat the lives of 18,000 disabled people with such reckless disregard. It is heartbreaking and will sow only despair. ” ends==