Removing the cap could lift 500,000 children out of poverty
New research shows the full impact the two-child limit policy is causing to children and families in Scotland and its critical role in entrenching child poverty.
The report, Every Penny Counts - The Struggle to Survive on The Two-Child Limit, was written by Unity Consulting Scotland and commissioned by social housing organisation, Wheatley Group
Researchers surveyed tenants of Wheatley Group’s social landlords, including Scotland’s largest in Wheatley Homes Glasgow, who are parents affected by the policy.
Evidence gathered confirmed children are missing out on basic needs such as food, heat, shoes and clothes and that debt is endemic amongst families impacted. It also showed clearly how children in families affected by this policy are missing out in other areas such as access to play, leisure and cultural activities.
Testimony from parents and survey data found that treats, holidays, day-trips, after-school activities and clubs are a pipedream for many children whose families are impacted by the two-child limit.
The families who took part in the research were clear - scrapping this policy would improve children’s quality of life, as well as of parents, many of whom are struggling mentally.
Scrapping the policy would also provide them with the means to better feed and clothe their children, whilst enabling children to engage more in activities along with their peers.
Charities and campaigners, including One Parent Families Scotland who were involved in the research, are calling on the UK Government to scrap the policy in the next budget.
They believe such a move would have an immediate impact on reducing levels of poverty and give children affected by the two-child limit a better chance to live more comfortably and provide them with the foundation to realise their potential.
Steven Henderson, Chief Executive of the Wheatley Group said: "The welfare benefits system is a vital safety net for many of our tenants, especially during these challenging times.
“At Wheatley, our dedicated Welfare Benefits Advisors have been instrumental in helping tenants claim millions in unclaimed benefits, providing much-needed financial relief and improving their quality of life.
“The two-child cap, introduced in 2017, has had a profound impact on families across the UK. By limiting the amount of child tax credit or universal credit that parents can claim, it has pushed many families deeper into poverty. Data shows that removing the cap could lift 500,000 children out of poverty, highlighting the urgent need for change.
“At Wheatley, we see firsthand the struggles our tenants face due to this cap, and we are calling for a more compassionate and supportive welfare system."
Satwat Rehman, CEO of One Parent Families Scotland said: “The Westminster 2-child limit policy is a stark reminder that economic austerity often targets the most vulnerable, trapping larger families in poverty and stripping children of their right to a fair start in life.
“This policy not only deepens immediate financial hardship but also sows the seeds for long-term inequality, as it also affects children’s wellbeing and the opportunity to achieve their potential. The parents who have contributed to this research, already stretched to their limits, are now pushed to the brink, struggling to provide basic necessitiesfor their children. Immediate action in the UK budget to abolish the two-child limit is essential to prevent further harm and ensure that all families have the support they need.”
Dr Tommy Kane, director at Unity Consulting, added: “This research represents a damning assessment of the two-child limit. What we heard from the people we spoke to showed clearly how child poverty is being entrenched and exacerbated by this policy and as a result the life chances of hundreds of thousands of children are being hindered and held back.
This policy was rightly described as ‘morally odious’ and it should be scrapped. It makes no sense socially or economically. It is designed to punish families and sadly that is exactly what is happening.
If Labour does not scrap it, their government will preside over an increase in child poverty, which will have a catastrophic impact on the families and children affected.
“The Labour government must listen to the moral and economic arguments and end the two-child limit when they unveil their first budget on the 30 October.”
