Family in need wins case

A local authority has announced that its social services department is to "review its procedures" after dramatically settling a landmark High Court action brought against it by a "family in need".

The London Borough of Newham admitted in a series of court declarations that it had failed in its legal duty to assess needs and provide help for a deaf young "carer", Elisha Whittingham, 14, her ill single mother Angela, and 10-year-old sister,Veniece, who is severely disabled by cerebral palsy. One of the principal complaints of the family, from Beckton, east London, was a failure by the council to fulfil a promise to install a suitable shower. Unable to stand or sit, walk or talk, the disabled daughter has to be bathed in a washing-up bowl by her sister and mother.