The UK government’s long-awaited child poverty strategy has been postponed until later this year, despite rising political pressure to address one of the country’s most divisive welfare policies — the two-child benefit cap. Initially expected in the spring, the strategy may now be unveiled in the autumn to align with the Budget, enabling the government to outline the financial basis for any proposed changes.
A government spokesperson reaffirmed commitment to tackling child poverty, stating that a “fully-funded” strategy would be introduced in 2024 to address structural and root causes. The Child Poverty Taskforce, co-chaired by Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall and Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, continues to evaluate policy options.
Debate Over the Two-Child Benefit Cap Intensifies
Central to the policy debate is the two-child limit on means-tested benefits, which prevents families from receiving support for a third or subsequent child born after April 2017. The cap, introduced by the Conservative government, affects an estimated 1.5 million families.
Although Labour MPs have long called for its removal, the current government has cited cost concerns. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer previously stated that lifting the cap alone would not resolve the complexity of child poverty.
Yet prominent figures within Labour, including Treasury Committee Chair Dame Meg Hillier, argue otherwise. “It’s absolutely clear the only way we’ll lift children out of poverty in this parliament is by scrapping the two-child limit,” she told BBC Radio 4, highlighting that lifting the cap would cost around £2 billion — significantly less than the estimated £40 billion cost of managing poverty’s consequences.
Criticism Over Delay and Internal Labour Tensions
The delay has drawn criticism from various quarters. The SNP’s work and pensions spokeswoman Kirsty Blackman condemned it as “disgraceful”, while Save the Children UK’s policy director Dan Paskins said every month of inaction “plunges thousands of children into poverty”.
Meanwhile, Helen Barnard of the Trussell Trust suggested the delay might lead to a stronger, more effective strategy — one that provides genuine protection from hunger and hardship.
Within Labour ranks, the two-child cap continues to be a source of tension. Seven MPs were previously suspended for defying the party whip to vote against the cap. Although some have been readmitted, the debate remains unresolved. Former prime minister Gordon Brown recently warned the cap was “condemning children to poverty”.
Wider Benefits Debate Shakes Labour Policy
Concerns about benefit policies extend beyond child poverty. Labour backbenchers are increasingly uneasy about proposed cuts to disability benefits, set for a vote next month, and recent confusion around winter fuel payments.
Following criticism, the prime minister announced a reversal on plans to restrict winter fuel payments to only the poorest pensioners. However, details on who will benefit and when changes will be implemented remain unclear.
Amid internal debates and public pressure, Labour’s challenge remains balancing fiscal responsibility with rising demands for welfare reform — starting with a comprehensive and credible child poverty strategy.
