Cruel cut  

It's not a group we hear much about but The National Housing Federation, which represents England's housing associations, is making ripples. They anticipate harsh results of one planned cut. They say that the “Supporting People” budget, which aims to allow the disadvantaged to lead independent lives and is paid through local authorities, is likely to face substantial cuts in the upcoming spending review.   The cash, which had previously been ring fenced, could see a range of the country's poorest groups affected by shelters closing and caring support services shutdown. The federation says this would be ultimately self-defeating as some of the most needy people in society – those with learning difficulties and ex-offenders with a range of social issues – would simply be thrust into the NHS, social services and the criminal justice system. That's...