You are dead right charlie_chalk. They are changing the amount of paid maternity leave, though I'm not sure when.
There will be the same amount of pay per week as now, but you can have 9 months instead of 6. But the really good news is that you can choose to go back work after 6 months, and during those 6 months, you will get an increased amount of pay. So basically you will get the same amount all-in-all that the mums who are choosing 9 months, but a larger amount each week over a shorter period of time.
This will help the people (like me) who are already panicking how they are going to manage for the 6 months. I know I am still ttc, but I am the major wage earner. I earn more than double what my dh does, and his wages and my maternity pay won't even pay the rent and bills. Never mind food, nappies, petrol (don't get me started on that one - went and filled my car last night and it was 98.9p per litre!!!), clothes, etc, etc, etc. If I can get the increased amount over the 6 months and time it right with my holiday I accrue from work, we should just about be able to manage.