What's happened
Sir Keir Starmer has expressed willingness to collaborate with SNP ministers to abolish the two-child benefit cap in Scotland. This policy, deemed 'pernicious' by the SNP, requires UK government cooperation for implementation, which remains uncertain as funding has not yet been allocated.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Alistair Grant from The Scotsman, First Minister John Swinney emphasized the necessity of UK government cooperation to lift the two-child limit, stating, 'I need the cooperation of the United Kingdom government to enable us to achieve our objectives.' Meanwhile, Pat McFadden, a UK minister, noted that while the desire to reduce child poverty is shared, 'the money for this commitment has not been set aside.' This sentiment was echoed in The Mirror, where McFadden was pressed on why the UK government has not acted to remove the cap, highlighting the ongoing debate about funding and policy priorities. The Scottish government, however, remains optimistic, with Swinney asserting that scrapping the cap will help lift children out of poverty.
How we got here
The Scottish government announced plans to scrap the two-child benefit cap during the recent Budget announcement. This policy, introduced in 2017, limits benefits for families with more than two children and has been criticized for exacerbating child poverty.
Common question
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What is the Current Status of the Two-Child Benefit Cap in Scotland?
The debate surrounding the two-child benefit cap in Scotland has gained momentum, especially with recent statements from political leaders. As discussions unfold, many are left wondering how these changes could impact families across the UK. Here are some common questions and answers regarding the current status and implications of this policy.
More on these topics
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
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Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Covering the northern third of the island of Great Britain, mainland Scotland has a 96 mile border with England to the southeast and is otherwise surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and w
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The Scottish National Party is a Scottish nationalist and social-democratic political party in Scotland. The SNP supports and campaigns for Scottish independence within the European Union, with a platform based on civic nationalism.
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John Ramsay Swinney is a Scottish politician serving as Deputy First Minister of Scotland since 2014 and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills since 2016.