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Learning Disability Development Fund (LDDF) - Frequently Asked Questions.
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Last modified date:8 November 2007
LDDF Capital
Q: How do we get hold of the money?
A: The money is being distributed through Strategic Health Authorities (SHAs). Each SHA will have worked out its own ways of dealing with this money. However, they have been asked to ensure that they communicate with Partnership Boards about how the money is used.
Therefore, your Partnership Board lead officer should be in contact with the learning disability lead at the SHA to agree the process and timescale through which the Partnership Boards will submit bids to the SHA for the money.
Q: Is the money ring fenced?
A: No, it is not ring fenced and it is part of the general capital allocation to SHAs. However, this capital allocation was increased by adding in the additional money from the LDDF capital, and the SHAs have been both informed of this and advised by the Valuing People Support Team about the amount of additional money they have received.
The Government Minister, Stephen Ladyman, has been very clear that he expects SHA to spend this money on learning disability services for the priorities set down in Valuing People, and not used for other NHS purposes. Although this money is distributed through the NHS, it is the Government's intention that it is capital for the whole service system.
LDDF Revenue
Q: How do we get hold of the money?
A: The money is distributed through Primary Care Trusts (PCTs). As with the capital money, it is important that the Partnership Board is in an active discussion with the PCT about its use.
All Partnership Boards should have a PCT representative on the Board - though in some places, for example large counties where there are a number of PCTs, not all will be directly represented on the Board.
Q: Is the money ring fenced?
A: The money is not ring fenced but, unlike the LDDF capital money, it is clearly identified when it is given to PCTs as an additional allocation that is to be used for the Valuing People priorities. As with the LDDF capital, the Minister has publicly expressed his expectation that it will be used for this purpose.
Q: Will the money continue?
A: The Learning Disability Development Fund revenue comes from funds freed up by the 2001 Old Long Stay census. Should the LDDF stop being separately identified, these funds will continue within the NHS' overall revenue allocation.
Valuing People does not specify a cut off date for the LDDF, Partnership Boards should therefore plan on the basis that this money will be available again next year.
Additional links
Learning disability service framework
A comprehensive and enhanced service specification for PCT and practice based commissioners in 2007 to 2008.
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