Pressure is growing to eliminate the controversial policy limiting benefits to families with more than two children, according to Bridget Phillipson. The Education Secretary, co-chairing a panel on child poverty, emphasized the importance of this mission for the Labour Party. Over 100 MPs have urged Chancellor Rachel Reeves to scrap the cap on child tax credit and universal credit for larger families.
Phillipson stressed the need to reconsider the two-child limit, highlighting its detrimental effects on families. A forthcoming government strategy aims to reduce child poverty, with a group of Labour MPs proposing taxing gambling companies to cover the cost of lifting the benefit cap, a move supported by former PM Gordon Brown.
Research by the Resolution Foundation suggests that removing the cap could cost £3.5 billion but would lift 470,000 children out of poverty. Phillipson advocated fiercely for free school meals and breakfast clubs, citing their positive impact on children’s well-being and future prospects.
Keir Starmer faced early challenges within his government to address the benefit limit introduced by the previous administration. Labour MPs have called for action against gambling-related harm, advocating for fair taxation to combat poverty and reduce the burden on public services.
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