The controversial two-child benefit cap faces major changes. Senior government ministers are now forcefully condemning the policy. They call its impact on families absolutely devastating. Consequently, the public now expects a major announcement soon.
Therefore, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson leads this charge. She stated there is a real urgency for action. Phillipson emphatically argued that children should not be punished. She said this is especially true for events beyond their control. For instance, a parent might suddenly lose their job. Then the family must rely on support.
Furthermore, the two-child benefit cap is a Conservative-era policy. It restricts Universal Credit and child tax credits. Specifically, households do not receive payments for a third child. This applies to any child born after April 2017. Therefore, larger families receive significantly less financial support.
The government is now widely expected to act. Many believe the Chancellor will address it in November’s Budget. Reports suggest the Treasury is actively reviewing options. One potential replacement is a tapered system. This means parents would get the most support for their first child. Then they would receive progressively less for each additional child.
Phillipson is also a candidate for Labour’s deputy leadership. She leads the government’s child poverty taskforce. She declared she is clear about what the evidence tells her. Furthermore, she is clear about what the government needs to do.
“Every year that passes, child poverty rates increase,” she warned. She explained that as more children are born into the system, the numbers climb. This creates a compelling case for swift intervention. She promised that the government would sort this Tory policy.
Scrapping the two-child benefit cap carries a significant cost. The Resolution Foundation think tank estimates it at £3.5 billion. However, the potential benefit is enormous. Their analysis suggests it would lift 470,000 children out of poverty. Campaigners strongly advocate for full abolition. They argue this is the most effective way to fight child poverty.
Phillipson’s rival for deputy leader, Lucy Powell, agrees. Powell has called scrapping the two-child benefit cap the single biggest anti-poverty move. She was recently sacked from her cabinet role. Phillipson, however, remains inside the government. She rejected the idea that this muzzles her.
She promised to be a strong voice at the cabinet table. “I’ll be in the room when those decisions are being made,” she stated. She believes her position gives her more influence. From inside, she can push for the changes members want. She vowed to fight tooth and nail for her priorities.
Ultimately, the pressure to reform the two-child benefit cap is mounting. The political and moral arguments are now overwhelming. The government appears to be listening closely. A change to this devastating policy seems increasingly inevitable.
For more political updates, visit London Pulse News.
