Overview

• The Times reported that ministers and officials on the government’s child-poverty taskforce plan to recommend scrapping the limit on Universal Credit and Child Tax Credit support beyond two children.
• Their advice is expected before the 26 November Autumn Budget, and the Department for Work and Pensions said work is ongoing with no final decisions made.
• Chancellor Rachel Reeves said she is determined to reduce child poverty and will respond to the taskforce’s report in the Budget.
• Cost estimates of roughly £3bn a year underpin opposition from figures such as former chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng, while supporters argue repeal is the fastest way to cut child poverty.
• Personal finance broadcaster Martin Lewis clarified that the two-child limit is separate from universal Child Benefit and from the overall benefits cap, addressing frequent public confusion.