Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has urged for the complete removal of the two-child benefit cap, increasing pressure on Keir Starmer’s administration to take action. Brown highlighted the distressing levels of child poverty in the UK, labeling it a national disgrace during a significant address. Keir Starmer is contemplating the revision or elimination of the Conservative-led policy, which has been criticized by charities for perpetuating child poverty by limiting Child Tax Credits and Universal Credit to the first two children in a household.
Reports indicate that the government is exploring alternatives such as implementing a new graduated rate or imposing a three-child cap on benefits to mitigate the impact of this austerity measure. A review on child poverty is anticipated to coincide with Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s Budget announcement on November 26.
Brown emphasized the detrimental impact of the two-child rule on escalating child poverty rates annually, stressing the necessity for its abolition to achieve poverty reduction goals. He argued that retaining the policy would hinder meeting targets, including ensuring 75% of children under five are school ready.
Additionally, Brown criticized the introduction of the policy by former Chancellor George Osborne, denouncing it as prejudiced legislation introduced almost a decade ago. He debunked the notion perpetuated by Osborne that the policy was necessary to prevent taxpayers from subsidizing children for low-income families, highlighting that 60% of affected families have at least one working individual or a newborn child.
During an event commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Child Poverty Action Group, Brown commended former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner for her efforts. He expressed shock over the current 4.5 million children living in poverty, the highest figure in six decades, surpassing levels under previous administrations.
Homelessness Minister Alison McGovern, speaking at the event, hinted at forthcoming government strategies to address family income disparities and combat the root causes of child poverty. She acknowledged the financial struggles families face due to child poverty, hindering their progress in life.
The government pledged to tackle the structural issues contributing to child poverty in its upcoming strategy.