Households affected forecast to lose an average of £1,720 a year, according to official government analysis * Spring statement: key points at a glance More than 3 million households will lose out as a result of the government’s sweeping cuts to welfare, according to the official analysis, with an extra 250,000 people falling into relative poverty by 2029-30. The official assessment of the impact of the benefits cuts – including a sharper-than-expected cut to universal credit payments – shows those eligible for disability payments will be hit the hardest. As a result the number of people living in relative poverty will rise to nearly 14.5 million, including an extra 50,000 children. Continue reading...

A long-discredited researcher and vaccine skeptic will conduct a government study on whether vaccines cause autism.

Administration plans to end funding to Gavi, a global health organization that helps provide life-saving care for children The Trump administration is planning to end funding for Gavi, a global health organization that helps provide vaccines and other life-saving care to developing countries. A 281-page spreadsheet obtained by the New York Times lists the Trump administration’s plans for thousands of foreign aid programs, including financial cuts to the organization that buys vaccines for children, as well as scaling back on programs that combat malaria in developing countries. Continue reading...