Bridget Phillipson expressed deep concern over the detrimental effects of the two-child benefit limit, emphasizing its devastating impact. As the Education Secretary and a contender for the deputy leader position, Phillipson strongly hinted that the policy would likely be abolished.
Leading the government’s child poverty task force, Phillipson stressed the urgent need to address the issue, citing the escalating child poverty rates with each passing year under the current system. She highlighted the necessity to take decisive action to combat this concerning trend.
In an interview with the BBC, Phillipson condemned the policy as a Tory initiative that has severely harmed children and affirmed the commitment to rectify the situation.
Meanwhile, Rachel Reeves is contemplating the removal of the policy that restricts Child Tax Credits and Universal Credit payments to the first two children, potentially making changes later this autumn. The Chancellor is reportedly exploring alternative approaches, including implementing a new “tapered system” that could allocate more benefits to the first child and reduce amounts for subsequent children. Additionally, there is consideration to ease the impact of the two-child benefit limit by extending benefits to families with three or four children.
Government officials clarified that no final decision has been made regarding the policy, with ongoing discussions within the child poverty task force. While speaking at a Labour party conference fringe event, Reeves declined to confirm plans to eliminate the two-child benefit cap, emphasizing the need to outline funding sources for proposed policies.
In the race for the deputy leader position, both Phillipson and former Commons leader Lucy Powell have advocated for scrapping the policy, aligning with the aim to address child poverty issues.
For the latest news updates and exclusive content, stay connected with our Mirror Politics account on Bluesky and follow our dedicated Mirror Politics team members.