Bridget Phillipson expressed deep concern over the negative impact of the two-child benefit limit, describing it as “devastating.” As the Education Secretary and a candidate for the position of deputy leader to replace Angela Rayner, she strongly hinted at the imminent abandonment of the policy.
Leading the government’s child poverty taskforce, Phillipson emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue, citing the increasing child poverty rates with each passing year under the current system. She reaffirmed her commitment to taking necessary actions based on evidence and the pressing need to tackle the situation promptly.
In an interview with the BBC, Phillipson criticized the Conservative policy for its harmful effects on children and pledged to address the issue effectively. Meanwhile, Rachel Reeves is contemplating the abolition of the two-child benefit cap, which restricts benefits like Child Tax Credits and Universal Credit to the first two children, possibly in the coming autumn.
Reports suggest that the Chancellor is exploring alternative measures to replace the controversial policy, including a potential transition to a new “tapered system.” This proposed system could allocate higher benefits for the first child and reduce payments for subsequent children. Additionally, discussions are underway within the Treasury on potentially easing the two-child limit by extending benefits to families with more children.
Despite ongoing deliberations within the government’s child poverty task force, officials clarified that no final decision has been made regarding the policy change. Rachel Reeves refrained from confirming any specific plans to scrap the two-child benefit cap during an event at the Labour party conference, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive strategy to combat child poverty.
The race for the deputy leadership position, following Angela Rayner’s resignation, pits Bridget Phillipson against former Commons leader Lucy Powell, both advocating for the elimination of the controversial Tory-era policy.