Labour member Lucy Powell has proposed increasing taxes on major gambling companies to generate funds for combating child poverty. Powell, a candidate for deputy leadership, commended the government for implementing free school breakfast clubs but also urged ministers to abolish the two-child benefit limit which has been criticized for keeping numerous children in poverty.
Powell highlighted former Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s suggestion to revamp gambling levies, potentially raising £3.2 billion to eliminate the two-child benefit cap. While acknowledging that writing the budget is not the Deputy Leader’s responsibility, Powell emphasized the importance of prioritizing child poverty reduction and considering alternative revenue sources like those proposed by Brown.
Additionally, Powell stressed the need for the party to clearly define its commitment to fighting child poverty and supporting beneficial policies like removing the two-child benefit cap. Meanwhile, her rival Bridget Phillipson, leading the government’s child poverty taskforce, described the two-child benefit limit as “spiteful” and indicated a willingness to consider its removal.
Phillipson emphasized the government’s role in addressing child poverty and expressed readiness to advocate for change within the Cabinet. Education Secretary comments suggested a potential shift in government stance following Powell’s interventions, indicating a growing momentum toward addressing child poverty issues.