Daily roundup: Benefit cap, DCS appointment, and looked-after children

The Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) has said the government's plan to set a cap on the amount of overall benefit spending will create a "income rationing system for children, working families and disabled people". The cap plans, unveiled by the Chancellor in yesterday's Autumn Statement, will create a mechanism for restricting the amount of money spent on benefits for families and vulnerable people, CPAG says. Benefits likely to be affected include Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Child Benefit, Employment and Support Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Income Support, Universal Credit and Housing Benefit.

Lesley Hagger has been appointed as the director of children's services at Leicestershire County Council. Hagger had been interim director for the last 12 months after taking over when Gareth Williams retired, reports the Burton Mail. She has worked for the council for the last 10 years and has previously been in charge of various children’s, young people’s and family services.