The impact of the two-child benefit limit is evident, according to Bridget Phillipson, who emphasized the need to eliminate the controversial Tory policy. Phillipson, serving as co-chair of a panel focused on addressing child poverty, highlighted the Labour Party’s commitment to this cause. Over 100 MPs, including Rachel Reeves, have urged for the removal of the cap that restricts child tax credit or universal credit for families with more than two children.
Phillipson asserted the necessity of reconsidering the two-child limit due to its apparent repercussions. A forthcoming government strategy is set to outline measures to reduce child poverty, with 101 Labour MPs advocating for increased taxes on gambling companies to fund lifting the cap, a proposition supported by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
A study by the Resolution Foundation revealed that eliminating the cap would incur a cost of £3.5 billion but could uplift 470,000 children out of poverty. Phillipson underlined her unwavering efforts in securing free school meals and breakfast clubs, emphasizing their positive impact on children’s future prospects.
Keir Starmer faced early challenges in his leadership as demands to abolish the cap, introduced under the Conservative government, gained momentum. Labour MPs emphasized the urgency of addressing child poverty over the flourishing profits of gambling companies, stressing the financial toll on public services and advocating for fair taxation in the gambling sector.