'The taskforce is a welcome first step towards fulfilling the government’s pledge to bring in an ambitious child poverty strategy. But with a record number of kids in poverty now, scrapping the two-child limit on benefits has to happen in the government’s first Budget. The two-child limit is driving up child poverty more than any other policy, children need it to be removed as a priority.'
Survey of 560 affected families reveals acute hardship. Charities and Church of England call on new government to commit to abolishing the policy this year – ‘...children can’t wait for government to align every star...’
'A child poverty strategy is imperative and extremely welcome but its first action point has to be abolishing the two-child limit which more than any other policy has driven child poverty to record levels. There needs to be some real ambition on family incomes and real change won’t come for the 4 million children in poverty until the two-child limit and benefit cap are scrapped and the rate of child benefit is increased. Our responsibility to the future starts with ensuring all children can have a good start in life. Today’s manifesto is a good first step, but no route to happy healthy children and a strong economy starts with record child poverty. We will need to see detailed policies and targets that demonstrate how a reduction in child poverty will be achieved.'
This week we launched the Cost of the School Day Big Question report and film. 5,394 children and young people across Scotland shared their views on school costs, particularly food and trips, what makes them feel ready to learn, and their ideas for creating change in schools.
A new first minister has just taken office in Scotland. Like his predecessor, he has said that his first policy priority will be eradicating child poverty. What progress on child poverty has already been made in Scotland? What lessons can be learned? And what more needs to be done?
How is the two-child limit policy affecting families? Why is ending it such a priority? And what pressure can be put on political parties to commit to abolishing it if they form the next UK government?
'The future is far from secure for 4 million children in poverty yet there isn’t a plan in the manifesto to tackle record child poverty. The PM’s commitment to increasing the number of families receiving child benefit is welcome but reducing entitlements to disability benefits and increasing sanctions in our social security system will make some of the worst-off families even more insecure. There will be no financial security for millions of struggling families until all parties commit to abolishing the poverty-producing two-child limit and benefit cap and to an increase in the rate of child benefit. Children have no voice in this election but their well-being should be front and centre for all politicians.'
