Reducing child poverty: role of the two-child limit

In the absence of government intervention, the number of children in poverty in the UK is expected to rise from 4.5 million to 4.8 million by the end of this parliament.

Even under the most optimistic growth and employment forecasts, child poverty is projected to rise unless the government invests in the social security system.

Abolishing the two-child limit is, by far, the most cost-effective way of reducing child poverty, and if done this year will transform the lives of millions of children and families by the end of this parliament. 

There is little prospect of reducing child poverty unless the two-child limit is abolished as every day more children are affected by it. This vital first step must be taken as part of the forthcoming child poverty strategy.

Investing in social security to reduce child poverty will instantly improve the lives of millions of children, while also increasing the long-term prosperity of the country.