The government has delayed the release of its much-anticipated child poverty strategy, pushing its publication to autumn. Originally due this spring, the strategy is now pushed back, likely coinciding with the Budget, giving ministers time to align policy with funding plans.
The Child Poverty Taskforce, launched last July, is still finalising its proposals. One major point under review is whether to remove the controversial two-child benefit cap. Introduced in 2017, the cap prevents most families from claiming means-tested support for a third or additional child. Government delays child poverty strategy as tension continues over issues like this cap.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall confirmed the delay, telling the Mirror, “We will publish that strategy and set out how we will pay for it and you will, I’m afraid, have to wait.”
Government officials insist action is already underway. A senior Downing Street source highlighted free breakfast clubs, benefit uprating, and the recent rise in the minimum wage as ongoing efforts to combat poverty.
Still, the delay on the child poverty strategy has drawn strong criticism. SNP MP Kirsty Blackman called it “disgraceful,” accusing Labour of focusing more on political optics than urgent social needs. “Child poverty has risen to record levels on Keir Starmer’s watch,” she said.
Save the Children UK’s Dan Paskins echoed that concern. “Every month that goes by while Keir Starmer does not scrap the cruel two-child limit means thousands of children are plunged into poverty,” he warned.
Others welcomed the delay cautiously. Helen Barnard of the Trussell Trust said it may lead to stronger policies. “Better a delayed strategy with real impact than a rushed one lacking substance,” she posted on social media.
The two-child cap affects 1.5 million families and has become a dividing line in Labour. Though ministers argue there are insufficient resources to remove it now, discussion intensifies as government delays child poverty strategy.
Labour backbenchers are increasingly uneasy. Some MPs fear that the party’s stance on benefits, including recent proposals to cut disability payments and alter winter fuel allowances, could hurt electoral prospects. Labour’s poor showing in the recent local elections has only added pressure.
Last year, Labour suspended seven MPs for opposing the cap in a vote. Four have since been reinstated, but the others remain independents. MP Neil Duncan-Jordan Poole recently told the BBC there is “a healthy debate” in the party about raising revenue without cutting benefits.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said no single policy can solve poverty and that a broader strategy is needed. However, critics say the government delays child poverty strategy is sending the wrong message while families struggle.
The government delays child poverty strategy as internal Labour conflict deepens, and with millions of children still in need, the spotlight will intensify as autumn approaches.
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