Introduced in 2017, the two-child limit restricts support in Universal Credit and Child Tax Credit to the first two children in most families, regardless of their circumstances. The policy has been widely criticised for pushing larger families into poverty, with many forced to make impossible choices just to get by.
At Little Village, we see the reality every day with families in desperate need of support from our baby banks to get the clothes, shoes, prams and cots their babies and children urgently need. For nearly a decade, charities, campaigners and parents have called for its removal, highlighting the lasting impact on children’s health, wellbeing and life chances and today [6 April] the two-child limit has ended.
Our CEO and chair of the End Child Poverty Coalition, Sophie Livingstone MBE says:
“Today is an important day for children and families across the UK, as the cruel two-child limit is finally scrapped – a long-overdue and hard-fought victory that will begin to ease pressure on many families and allow children to dream a little bigger. But at Little Village, we see every day just how deep that pressure runs. Families are still facing impossible choices, from rationing nappies to watering down formula, and the impact of years of hardship will not disappear overnight. While this is a moment to celebrate, it must also be a turning point – because if we are serious about giving every child the start they deserve, this progress now needs to be matched by a comprehensive and sustained commitment to end child poverty for good.”
To help some of the families Little Village baby banks support us by donating your pre-loved items, donate £10 (or more if you can) to help us deliver baby bundles or find out about some great volunteering opportunities across London.
