A charity has said it is shocked by the government's decision to change benefits for severely disabled children. Mencap said it will mean more reassessments and confusion among families. At present, such children are entitled to Employment Support Allowance. It pays £56 per week for three years once they reach their 16th birthday. Under the cuts they will only receive it for a year. What happens after that remains unclear.
The High Court is to begin hearing a challenge to government plans to scrap a £320m scheme that helps people with severe disabilities live independently. The six disabled people bringing the judicial review will question the legality of the move to close the Independent Living Fund from 2015.
Care Services Minister Norman Lamb has called for evidence on good practice to improve the quality of services for people with learning disabilities and their families.
GPs are to get more help writing 'fit notes' for patients on long-term sick leave, the government has said. Dr Rob Hampton: four-week referral to assessment service welcome
Work When You're Sick Say New DWP Guidelines
