David Reissner, senior healthcare partner at law firm Charles Russell Speechlys, confirmed to C+D today (November 30) that he has received a response from government lawyers regarding his firm's legal challenge to the cuts.

Mr Reissner said the government has maintained that the consultation process to decide the sector's funding has been "lawful" and the impact assessment that underpins the intended cuts "is not flawed". 

Mr Reissner was asked by an unnamed multiple to obtain a senior lawyer's opinion on the lawfulness of the cuts earlier this month.

The client – who still wishes to remain anonymous – is now considering how to proceed, Mr Reissner added.