Bridget Phillipson expressed deep concern over the negative effects of the two-child benefit restriction, describing it as “devastating.” As the head of the government’s child poverty task force and a candidate vying to succeed Angela Rayner as deputy leader, the Education Secretary strongly hinted at the imminent abolition of this policy.
Phillipson emphasized the pressing need for action, citing the escalating child poverty rates linked to the policy. In an interview with the BBC, she criticized the Conservative-led initiative, highlighting the detrimental impact it has had on children and affirming plans to rectify the situation.
Meanwhile, Rachel Reeves is contemplating the removal of the two-child benefit cap, which limits Child Tax Credits and Universal Credit payments to the first two children. Reports suggest that the Chancellor is exploring alternative measures to alleviate child poverty, including a potential shift to a “tapered system” where families receive varying levels of support based on the number of children.
Although discussions are ongoing within the government, no final decisions have been made regarding the future of the policy. Reeves refrained from confirming the scrapping of the benefit cap during a recent event at the Labour party conference, emphasizing the need for clarity on funding sources for proposed policies.
In the race for the deputy leader position, both Phillipson and former Commons leader Lucy Powell have advocated for the abandonment of the controversial Tory-era policy. The fate of the two-child benefit limit remains uncertain as government officials continue their deliberations through the child poverty task force.