Overview
- Chancellor Rachel Reeves scrapped the two-child limit in the recent Budget, expanding payments to larger families on Universal Credit and tax credits.
- Research cited by Conservative MP Nick Timothy, based on 2021 census country‑of‑birth data, estimates about 341,735 foreign‑born households would gain, with Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria and Somalia among the largest groups.
- Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden rejected the migrant‑focused reading of the figures, noting they do not show citizenship or employment and pointing to a longer residence-based qualifying period for benefit access.
- A government spokesman said reforms will make migrants reliant on benefits face a 20‑year wait for settlement and that ministers will consult on restricting access to benefits for those not making an economic contribution.
- Timothy urged tying settlement rights to tax and welfare records and considering residency curbs for net recipients, as reports offered conflicting estimates of fiscal cost and poverty reduction.