Charities hail end of two-child benefit cap

Charities have welcomed news that the cap on the number of children you can claim benefits for is to be scrapped.

Since April 2017, parents have only been able to claim child tax credit or universal credit for a maximum of two children per household.

But in this week’s Budget, chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed that the two-child benefit cap will be lifted from April 2026.

The government believes this will lift 450,000 children out of poverty.

Huge step in tackling child poverty, say charities

The Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) has responded enthusiastically, saying the move will be “transformational” for children.

“This is a much-needed fresh start in our country’s efforts to eradicate child poverty,” said chief executive Alison Garnham.

“Every child deserves the best start in life.”

Ms Garnham added that while more needs to be done, this decision “gives us strong foundations to build on”.

Barnado’s, meanwhile, has hailed this as a “landmark moment”.

“It’s a moment that could transform life chances for a generation of children,” said chief executive Lynn Perry.

“It means we’re one step closer to a fairer system that supports all children in need, regardless of how many brothers or sisters they have.”

However, Ms Perry echoed CPAG’s view that there is still “much more to do”.

Children have been penalised ‘for too long’

Save the Children UK has backed the move, describing it as a “moment of hope for hard-up families”.

“For too long, children have been penalised by this pernicious policy, through no fault of their own,” said chief executive Moazzam Malik.

“This announcement sends a clear signal that all our children's lives are valued regardless of the circumstances of their birth and that the UK government is committed to giving every child the best start in life.”

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