Bridget Phillipson expressed concerns over the detrimental effects of the two-child benefit limit, describing it as “devastating.” As the Education Secretary and a contender for the deputy leader position, she strongly hinted at the policy’s imminent abolition.
Leading the government’s child poverty taskforce, Ms. Phillipson emphasized the pressing need for action, citing the continuous rise in child poverty rates due to the policy. She emphasized the urgency to address the issue as each passing year contributes to the worsening situation.
In an interview with the BBC, she pointed out that the two-child benefit limit, introduced by the Conservative government, has significantly harmed children and vowed to rectify the situation.
Meanwhile, Rachel Reeves is contemplating the removal of the policy, which restricts benefits under Child Tax Credits and Universal Credit to the first two children, possibly in the upcoming autumn. The Chancellor is reportedly exploring alternatives to replace this measure, including a potential new “tapered system.”
Under this system, parents could receive higher benefits for their first child and reduced amounts for additional children. Additionally, discussions are ongoing within the Treasury to ease the impact of the two-child benefit limit by extending benefits to families with three or four children.
Despite ongoing deliberations within the child poverty task force, government officials clarified that no final decision has been made. Ms. Reeves, when questioned at a Labour party conference event, refrained from confirming any plans to scrap the two-child benefit cap.
Furthermore, in the competition to succeed Angela Rayner as deputy leader, Bridget Phillipson faces opposition from former Commons leader Lucy Powell, who also supports the elimination of the controversial policy.