Calls Renew to Abolish Two-Child Benefit Cap

The controversial two-child benefit cap, affecting nearly 1.6 million children in the UK, is under renewed scrutiny with calls for its abolition. Introduced by the Conservative government in 2017, the cap prevents families from claiming child tax credit or universal credit for more than two children. The cap has been criticized as 'cruel' by campaigners and is linked to higher child poverty rates, with the Child Poverty Action Group estimating its removal could lift 300,000 children out of poverty. Despite pressures, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has resisted calls to scrap the policy, citing the lack of funding. However, government insiders suggest the policy could be reconsidered during this term if economic conditions allow. Labour MPs, including former Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, are vocally opposing the cap, increasing pressure on the government to act swiftly.