Two child benefit cap scrapped - our reaction

The two-child benefit cap is finally going to be scrapped in April. We’d expected it sooner but it will mean that an estimated 450,000 less children living in poverty. So, whilst today we’re celebrating we hope this is just the beginning in the fight to end child poverty.

Sophie Livingstone MBE, chief executive for Little Village, said: 

 

“Scrapping the cruel two-child limit is long-overdue and a powerful win for the parents and campaigners who fought so hard for change. It will finally ease the pressure for many struggling families but we can’t however forget those parents and children who have endured this policy for the last decade and all the work that’s still left to do if we’re going to end child poverty. Every day at Little Village we’re reminded of just how tough it is for families – many who are making desperate choices such as watering down formula and rationing nappies – so although we’ll celebrate today, the government has to follow through with a comprehensive strategy.”

 

Thea Jaffe, a mum of three who’s been supported by Little Village and has campaigned against the two-child cap, said: 

 

“This money will help me pay for bills and essentials, but what I’m most excited about is finally spending a weekend just playing with my kids instead of budgeting and worrying. But let’s be clear, it will still be another hard six months until April figuring out winter boots, coats, childcare, higher energy bills; not to mention Christmas!

 

“I see April not as the end of hardship but the beginning of recovery – after years of this policy using poverty and stigma to steal childhoods and alienating families from their communities, the government needs to go beyond restoring payments and take responsibility for repairing the damage this policy has perpetuated.”

 

We continue to stand by the babies, children and families who are struggling to make ends meet.

 

If you want to help us support more families this winter, please donate to our Christmas appeal and send more winter bundles to families in need.