I am pleased to announce an increase in the maximum sums payable by the Independent Living Funds.

The maximum weekly payment from the Independent Living (1993) Fund will increase from £420 per week to £455 per week and from £715 per week to £785 per week for the Independent Living (Extension) Fund. The overall maximum limit of the Funds and Social Services input for the first six months of a 1993 Fund application will also increase from £715 per week to £785 per week. These increases will take place from 1 April 2006.

This will provide greater assistance to people with high support needs who wish to live independently in the community.