06 April 2023 , 11:00
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The two-child benefit limit is affecting around 1.5 million children, with more than a million of them growing up in poverty - but do you think the policy should be scrapped?
Under the controversial cap, parents cannot claim child tax credit or universal credit for any third or subsequent children born after April 2017, when it was introduced by ex-Chancellor George Osborne. Keir Starmer has announced that a Labour government would keep the controversial benefits cap, despite mounting pressure from his own side to ditch the cruel limit.
Speaking on BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, the Leader of the Opposition confirmed: “We are not changing that policy.”
The Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) say the policy has played a big role in rising child poverty, with many families struggling to meet their children’s basic needs as living costs soar. It estimates that 1.5 million children living in families subject to the limit, including 1.1 million growing up in poverty - and, unless the policy is abolished, the number of children affected will reach three million.
Meanwhile, official statistics last week found that parents can lose out on up to £3,235 a year per child in 2023/24 under the rules. Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Jon Ashworth told the Mirror last month that the policy was "heinous" and it was "absolutely keeping children in poverty".
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Ann Black, a member of Labour's ruling National Executive Committee, criticised Mr Starmer's comments on the two-child limit. She tweeted: "This is wrong. It punishes children for the actions of their parents. What has the third or fourth child done to deserve this?"
Under the current rate, families on benefits can claim £244 per month for their first child on top of their standard allowance and £244 for a second child.
Additional payments are only made to a third child if they were born before the was introduced in April 2017 - but there are certain exemptions.
Chief Executive of the Child Poverty Action Group Alison Garnham said: “The two-child limit makes it impossible for parents to provide their children with essentials - and the cost of living crisis is adding extra pain."
She added: "The number of children in poverty rose by 350,000 last year – and the two-child limit played a big part in that rise. There is no place for this policy in a country that believes all children deserve a good start. Ministers must remove it before it does more damage to children and to family life.”
A Government spokesperson said: “The two-child policy means families on benefits are asked to make the same financial decisions as families supporting themselves solely through work, including considering our comprehensive childcare offer for working parents and child benefit for all children.
"There are careful exemptions and safeguards in place within the policy to protect people in the most vulnerable circumstances.”
Do you think the two-child benefit limit should be scrapped? Vote in our poll to have your say. Let us know which couple you voted for and why in the .
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