Pressure is growing to eliminate the controversial Tory policy that limits benefits for families with more than two children, according to Bridget Phillipson. The Education Secretary, part of a panel addressing child poverty, emphasized the importance of this mission for the Labour Party. Over 100 MPs have urged Chancellor Rachel Reeves to abolish the cap restricting child tax credit and universal credit. Phillipson highlighted the visible impact of the two-child limit and suggested considering its removal.
A forthcoming government strategy aims to reduce child poverty, with 101 Labour MPs proposing taxing gambling companies to fund lifting the cap. This proposal, endorsed by former PM Gordon Brown, could potentially lift 470,000 children out of poverty but would cost £3.5 billion. Phillipson stressed the necessity of initiatives like free school meals and breakfast clubs for children’s well-being and future prospects.
Keir Starmer faced early challenges regarding the cap implemented by the Tories, with calls to address the issue promptly. MPs argue that children should not endure poverty while gambling firms thrive. They suggest taxing these companies more fairly to tackle poverty and reduce gambling-related harm that burdens public services and costs the Exchequer billions annually.