Housing benefit challenge dismissed by High Court.

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Disabled families have lost a court challenge to social housing benefit cuts for residents with spare bedrooms in England, Wales and Scotland.

Ten families brought a judicial review over the lower payments for people in homes deemed too large.

But the High Court has ruled that the change, which was introduced in April, did not breach their human rights.

The government is "incredibly pleased" by the decision, the BBC understands, although the families plan to appeal.

Richard Stein, of law firm Leigh Day which is representing some of the families, said his clients were "bitterly disappointed with today's decision, but they are not defeated".

He added: "We, along with the other lawyers acting on behalf of adults with disabilities, will appeal this judgment and we remain confident that the discrimination which was recognised by the court and which has been perpetrated against our clients by this legislation is not justified and is unlawful." Full story

The lawyers involved are taking the case to the Court of Appeal.

Will post the outcome when the case has been heard.