Pressure is growing to eliminate the controversial two-child benefit limit, as highlighted by Bridget Phillipson. The Education Secretary emphasized the necessity of addressing child poverty, labeling it a key mission for the Labour Party. Over 100 MPs have urged Chancellor Rachel Reeves to scrap the cap, which restricts parents from receiving child tax credit or universal credit for more than two children.
Phillipson stressed the need to reconsider the two-child limit, citing its evident impact. A forthcoming strategy from the Government outlining efforts to reduce child poverty is anticipated in the Autumn. In a unified effort, a group of 101 Labour MPs has proposed raising taxes for gambling companies to fund the removal of the cap, a proposition supported by former PM Gordon Brown.
Research by the Resolution Foundation indicated that abolishing the cap would come at a cost of £3.5 billion but would elevate 470,000 children out of poverty. Phillipson highlighted her unwavering advocacy for initiatives like free school meals and breakfast clubs, underscoring their positive influence on children’s prospects.
Keir Starmer faced initial challenges within his government with calls to lift the cap, originally implemented by the Tories. Labour MPs have emphasized the importance of addressing child poverty over gambling profits, urging fair taxation and measures to alleviate poverty and reduce gambling-related harm.