A LEGAL challenge to overturn benefit changes that have hit more than 5,000 Nottingham households has failed.
The changes mean that people who are classed as under-occupying a council home, and are claiming housing benefit, have seen their benefit cut between £11 and £15 a week.
The Post revealed back in March that 5,500 households would be affected by the changes in the city.
Lawyers acting for disabled people took the Government to court and claimed that the changes unlawfully discriminated against disabled people in social housing.
The appeal was dismissed at London's High Court.
The legal teams said they would fight on after losing the main aim of their challenge – to block the controversial housing benefit regulations that came into force on April 1.
Speaking on the steps of the Royal Courts of Justice, Richard Stein, of solicitors Leigh Day, said: "Our clients are bitterly disappointed with today's decision..
"We, along with the other lawyers acting on behalf of adults with disabilities, will appeal this judgment."
A Department for Work and Pensions spokesman said: "Reform of housing benefit in the social sector is essential, so the taxpayer does not pay for people's extra bedrooms. But we have ensured extra discretionary housing support is in place to help those who need it and today we have announced a further £35 million of funding to councils to help aid residents."
