Independent Living Strategy

Information on the aims of the Independent Living Strategy

In July 2006, the Independent Living Review was set up to develop a five-year strategy for independent living.

The aim of the strategy is that:

disabled people (including older disabled people) who need support to go about their daily lives will have greater choice and control over how support is provided
disabled people (including older disabled people) will have greater access to housing, education, employment, leisure and transport opportunities and to participation in family and community life.

The strategy sets out a five-year plan that seeks to realise the Government's aim that all disabled people (including older disabled people) should be able to live autonomous lives, and to have the same choice, freedom, dignity and control over their lives as non-disabled people.

The strategy contributes towards the Government's work to ratify the United Nations Convention on Disability Rights. Read more on the UN Convention on Disability Rights.

It takes a life course approach, from young people in transition to adulthood and including older people.

The expert panel played a critical role in ensuring that the progress and outcomes of the review were shaped by independent living experts.

Summary report:

Independent Living Strategy summary PDF (1.03 MB, 26 pages)
Independent Living Strategy summary RTF (151 KB, 26 pages)

Full report:

Independent Living Strategy PDF (2MB, 135 pages)
Independent Living Strategy RTF (617KB, 135 pages)
Independent Living Strategy Easy Read (4.18 MB, 71 pages)

MP3 & audio:

Forward by Prime Minister (MP3, 715KB, 2.26 minutes)
Forward by Life Chances Ministers (MP3, 869KB, 2.57 minutes)
Independent Living Strategy, Summary Part 1, (MP3, 2.9MB, 10.24 minutes)
Independent Living Strategy, Summary Part 2, (MP3, 3MB, 10.29 minutes)
Independent Living Strategy, Summary Part 3, (MP3, 3.5MB, 11.43 minutes)

If require the full report in audio, please email: Independent-living-review@dwp.gsi.gov.uk

Consultation: Independent Living Strategy

The consultation events

As part of the consultation process, we held two large consultation events, one in York on 12 May 2008 and one in London on 4 June 2008 and invited written responses from the public.

You can download and read the written responses below.

Written responses to the consultation 1 to 30 (PDF, 1.3 MB, 102 pages)
Written responses to the consultation 31 to 60 (PDF, 2.4 MB, 149 pages)
Written responses to the consultation 61 to 95 (PDF, 5.16 MB, 520 pages)

If you would like to see the notes from the two consultation events held in York and London, please send an email to Independent-Living-Review@dwp.gsi.gov.uk, noting in your email which event notes you would like.

Summary of consultation responses

Summary of responses (standard format) (PDF, 60.5 KB, 13 pages)
Summary of responses (Easy Read) (Easy Read PDF, 39 pages)

More information

If you need further information please contact us using the details above.

Equality Impact Assessment

Read the Equality Impact Assessment ((PDF, 60.5 KB)

Find out more on consultations (on the DirectGov website) or find out about tips on taking part in consultations (on the DirectGov website).

Independent Living Strategy Consultation response

On Tuesday 25 November 2008, the Government announced plans for involving disabled people in the implementation and monitoring of the five year, cross-government Independent Living Strategy.