'Smooth Transition' To New Independent Living Fund

The first payments in the new Independent Living Fund (ILF) for Northern Ireland have been made following the closure of the previous scheme in June.

Health Minister Simon Hamilton welcomed the "smooth transition" of the payments scheme.

"I am pleased that ILF users in Northern Ireland have experienced a seamless transition from ILF UK to ILF Scotland and have seen no difference in their mechanism of payment or their regular payment date," he said.

"ILF Scotland is to be commended for ensuring that all payments to recipients in Northern Ireland were made on time and without any issues.

"My Department is committed to ensuring that current ILF users in Northern Ireland will continue to receive their payments and this new arrangement with the Scottish Government through ILF Scotland has now proven itself and safeguards the delivery of services for current users."

(MH/JP)