BASW pushes UK Government to abolish two-child limit

BASW has written to the UK Chancellor setting out why the two-child limit and benefit cap must be scrapped.
Poverty

The controversial two-child limit restricts receipt of child tax credit and universal credit to the first two children. Additionally, the benefit cap limits the level of support that out-of-work families can claim. Some children and families are cruelly affected by both policies, which are heavily responsible for driving poverty rates across the UK.

A key ask in BASW’s General Election Manifesto, and in our anti-poverty campaign; Social Work Stands Against Poverty, is for these punitive policies to therefore be repealed. The End Child Poverty Coalition estimates that doing so would support 850,000 children out of ‘less deep poverty’ and lift a further 250,000 out of poverty altogether. 

The new Labour administration has thus far resisted calls to remove both policies, citing the poor economic circumstances they have inherited as the major barrier. However, BASW firmly believes that the cost of doing nothing will lead to an even sharper decline in living standards and more deeply entrenched, longer-term economic damage, and is therefore urging the new Chancellor, Rachel Reeves to re-consider her position on the issue. 

The letter from BASW CEO, Dr Ruth Allen to Ms Reeves welcomes Labour’s intention to implement a UK-wide child poverty strategy, but adds that for it to be truly transformational, any forthcoming strategy must include a commitment to abolishing the two-child limit and benefit cap. It says:

“We understand that you face tough choices, but the consequences of retaining this punitive policy are stark and far-ranging. To do so accepts pushing and trapping more children and families into poverty. It accepts children going hungry, undermining educational attainment, resulting in stigma, exclusion and health problems, and storing up huge social and economic problems for the future.”

BASW's letter goes on to explain the severe demand that poverty is placing on social work services and outlines how the two-child limit and benefit cap is directly contributing to rising hardship since it makes it significantly harder for low-income families to afford everyday essentials. It also highlights the devastating and traumatic impact of the rape clause, which is a direct consequence of the two-child limit requirement. 

Every child deserves the best possible start in life, free from disadvantage. Yet, it’s clear that this cannot be possible while the two-child limit and benefit cap exists in the UK, continuing to weaken our social security system and trapping families in destitution.  

BASW will continue to push the UK Chancellor to use her upcoming Autumn Budget to announce the abolition of these abhorrent policies for good. Read the full letter on the link below.

BASW received a response from Sir Stephen Timms MP, Minister for Social Security and Disability, on 13 August 2024 which is available to view on the link below.