Overview
- Child Poverty Action Group says the number of children in working households affected will hit one million in October, with around 1.7 million children impacted overall.
- MPs voted 89–79 to back the SNP’s removal bill at first reading under a 10-minute rule motion, though it is unlikely to become law due to limited parliamentary time.
- Government figures reviewed by CPAG show 59% of affected families have at least one working parent, and the policy blocks the £292.81 monthly Universal Credit child element for third and subsequent children born after April 2017.
- CPAG estimates abolishing the cap would lift 350,000 children out of poverty immediately at an annual cost of about £2 billion.
- The government points to a forthcoming child poverty strategy and targeted funding, including £500 million for family hubs and a £1 billion crisis support package.