What's happened
Prime Minister and Labour leaders signal plans to abolish the two-child benefit limit, aiming to reduce child poverty. The policy, introduced in 2017, restricts welfare claims for families with more than two children. Official figures show 4.5 million children live in poverty, with campaigners urging urgent action ahead of the November 26 Budget.
What's behind the headline?
The push to end the two-child benefit cap reflects a broader political shift towards addressing child poverty, which has become a significant social issue. The policy's removal is likely to cost around £3 billion annually but could lift over 600,000 children out of poverty, according to estimates. The political landscape shows Labour and some Conservative figures, including Gordon Brown, advocating for full abolition, while the Treasury considers more moderate reforms like raising the limit or introducing taper rates. The timing suggests the Budget on November 26 will be pivotal, with potential for substantial policy change. This move signals a recognition that welfare policies must adapt to social realities, and it could reshape public perceptions of government responsibility for child welfare. The debate underscores the tension between fiscal constraints and social justice, with the outcome likely to influence future welfare reforms and political alignments in the UK.
What the papers say
The Mirror reports that Prime Minister Starmer and Labour are committed to reducing child poverty, with indications that the two-child benefit cap will be lifted in the upcoming Budget, which is scheduled for November 26. The Independent highlights that campaign groups, including CPAG and Save the Children, argue full abolition could lift over 600,000 children out of poverty, costing around £3.6 billion. Sky News notes that Prime Minister Starmer has confirmed plans to take measures to address child poverty, with the Budget expected to include reforms to the benefit cap. Reuters emphasizes that reversing the policy would cost approximately £3 billion annually, with estimates suggesting it could benefit 500,000 children. The Guardian discusses concerns about rising racism and divisive politics, with Starmer warning of a return to 'decades-old' racism, and signals that the government will take action on child poverty, including lifting the benefit cap. The coverage from these sources collectively underscores the political momentum and social urgency behind the policy shift, with Labour and campaign groups united in their push for reform, while government considerations remain cautious about fiscal impacts.
How we got here
The two-child benefit cap was introduced by the Conservatives in 2017, restricting welfare claims for families with more than two children. It has been criticized for increasing child poverty, which has risen to 4.5 million children in the UK. Labour and campaign groups have long called for its abolition, arguing it penalizes larger families and perpetuates inequality. The government has signaled intentions to consider reforms, with discussions ongoing about the policy's future in the upcoming Budget.
Go deeper
Common question
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Rachel Jane Reeves is a British Labour Party politician serving as Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Shadow Minister for the Cabinet Office since 2020. She has been the Member of Parliament for Leeds West since 2010.
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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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James Gordon Brown HonFRSE is a British politician who was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Labour Party from 2007 to 2010. He served as Chancellor of the Exchequer from 1997 to 2007.
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The Labour Party, commonly Labour, is one of the two main political parties in the United Kingdom, along with the Conservative Party. It sits on the centre-left of the left–right political spectrum, and has been described as an alliance of social democr
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Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) is a UK charity that works to alleviate poverty and social exclusion.