A DISABLED man from Moulton has forced the Government to reverserethink its decision to abolish emergency funding for vulnerable people.

Christian Jump has succeeded in challenging the Government’s withdrawal of funding for Local Welfare Provision (LWP).

This is money from central Government which local councils use to support vulnerable residents in times of crisis or hardship.

Emma Burgess, Christian’s solicitor from Public Law Solicitors, said: “Christian’s win is a victory for vulnerable people up and down the country who need support in times of crisis and hardship.

“We are pleased the Government has eventually recognised that decisions about this ‘lifeline’ support need to be taken carefully, and only after sufficient information has been gathered about the likely impact of changes.”

The Government had indicated that it would conduct a comprehensive review of LWP before making future funding decisions.

But a few months ago it emerged that a decision has been made without a review, consultation or analysis of the impact.

Christian’s mum Dorothy, who acted as his litigation friend, was concerned that if the funding was abolished he would be left without a vital safety net to deal with any unforeseen event or crisis in the future.

Judicial review proceedings were issued in April this year challenging the Government’s decision.

The high court granted permission for the claim to proceed and the case was due to be heard in October.

In the meantime the Government has agreed to reconsider and in an agreement settling the case it is now required to complete a review of LWP, carry out appropriate consultation and consider the impact on vulnerable people before any new decision is taken.

Dorothy said: “I’m delighted. I feel I can rest safe in the knowledge that, for the time being at least, disabled people like Christian will not be left without anywhere to turn when they need emergency help.”