Overview

• The two-child benefit cap, introduced in 2017, now affects over 1.6 million children and has been linked to rising child poverty levels in the UK.
• New research reveals that the cap has pushed an additional 30,000 children into poverty since Labour came to power, with projections showing worsening impacts until 2035.
• Liz Kendall, Work and Pensions Secretary, ruled out scrapping the cap, citing economic constraints, while emphasizing Labour's commitment to reducing child poverty.
• Advocacy groups, including the Child Poverty Action Group, argue that abolishing the cap could lift 540,000 children out of absolute poverty at an annual cost of £2.5 billion.
• The Labour Government's child poverty strategy is expected in the coming months but lacks clarity on funding and specific measures, fueling criticism from internal and external sources.