TIME TO TACKLE CHILD POVERTY

‘Scrap the two-child limit to tackle child poverty – we’ve said it all along’ - Plaid Cymru

 

‘Perhaps Labour are starting to realise that pandering to the right, and adopting Tory policies isn’t what people voted for over a year ago’ - Ann Davies MP

 

The UK Government’s child poverty taskforce has reported that lifting the two-child cap is the most effective way of alleviating child poverty.

 

Plaid Cymru’s DWP spokesperson, Ann Davies MP has emphasised that this is something her party has been calling for since it was brought in by the Tories in 2017.

 

Child poverty is projected to rise in Wales from 32.3% in January 2025 to 34.4% by 2029.

 

The Trussell Trust recently reported that the risk of hunger for families with three or more children is extremely high with the two-child limit being a “significant driver”. They also reported that scrapping the policy would lift 28,900 people in Wales out of severe hardship by 2026/27.

 

Plaid Cymru have long called for the two-child benefit cap to be abolished and have tabled motions and supported amendments in Westminster and in the Senedd.

 

In July 2024, the SNP tabled an amendment to the King’s Speech calling for the two-child cap to be abolished, which was backed by Plaid Cymru at the time. However, every Welsh Labour MP voted against this amendment, ensuring the policy was maintained.

 

 

Plaid Cymru’s DWP spokesperson, Ann Davies MP said:

 

“Families across Wales are being pushed deeper into hardship by a policy that punishes children for circumstances entirely beyond their control. Plaid Cymru have consistently called for the two-child limit to be scrapped, not only because morally, it is the right thing to do, but also because it has been shown time and again to be the most cost-effective and immediate way to lift thousands of children out of poverty. This is something we’ve known for a very long time.

 

“Plaid Cymru have tabled motions in Westminster and in the Senedd calling for the policy to be abolished, which Labour have consistently voted against. It is telling that Starmer’s own taskforce has now admitted what we have been saying all along. Perhaps Labour are starting to realise that pandering to the right, and adopting Tory policies isn’t what people voted for over a year ago.

 

“I said it back in July 2024, and I will say it again: the most powerful ‘change’ this UK Government could implement would be to scrap the two-child limit. I urge the Prime Minister to act decisively to lower the alarming rates of child poverty and ensure that everyone gets the best possible start in life.”

 

- ENDS -

 

 

NODIADAU I’R GOLYGYDD / EDITOR’S NOTES:

 

Report of UK Government’s taskforce: Lift two-child benefit cap, ministers to urge PM

 

Child poverty is projected to rise in Wales from 32.3% in January 2025 to 34.4% by 2029: Economic and employment growth alone will not be enough to reduce poverty levels | Joseph Rowntree Foundation

 

Plaid Cymru’s calls:

Motion - NDM8923 - Welsh Parliament

‘The most powerful ‘change’ would be to scrap the two-child limit’ - The Party of Wales

 

SNP amendment to King’s Speech: King's Speech (Motion for an Address): Amendment (d) - Commons' votes in Parliament - UK Parliament