Scrapping two-child benefit cap still under consideration as campaigners warn of worsening crisis
A much-anticipated government strategy to tackle child poverty has been delayed until the autumn, sparking criticism from campaigners and concern from within the ranks of Parliament.
Originally due to be published this spring, the flagship plan was expected to include a recommendation to scrap the controversial two-child benefit cap — a measure widely condemned by poverty experts and charities. However, according to reports first published by The Guardian, the Government has now pushed back the release of the strategy to coincide with the next budget.
The decision has prompted warnings that tens of thousands more children could be plunged into poverty during the delay. It is estimated that 100 children are drawn into poverty each day by the cap, meaning as many as 20,000 more could be affected by a six-month postponement.
Introduced under the Conservative Government in 2017, the two-child cap restricts child-related benefit payments to the first two children in most families. While ministers say it is intended to encourage responsibility in family planning, critics argue it unfairly penalises children and disproportionately impacts low-income households.
Labour backbenchers have been among those pressing the Government to remove the cap, describing it as one of the most damaging policies still in place from the austerity years. While Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has not confirmed whether the cap will be scrapped, his official spokesman has also declined to rule it out — emphasising instead that there is no “silver bullet” to eradicating child poverty.
In a statement to reporters on Thursday, Downing Street said: “The child poverty strategy will be published later this year. This is part of a comprehensive approach to addressing child poverty, which includes expanding access to free breakfast clubs, building more affordable housing, and reducing household costs.”
Nonetheless, critics argue that children living in poverty need urgent, targeted action — not more delays.
Lord John Bird, founder of The Big Issue and an outspoken anti-poverty campaigner, accused ministers of “kicking the issue of child poverty into the long grass”.
He said: “The impact of their inaction will be grave. It is shameful that child poverty is forecast not only to persist but to rise under this Labour Government. We need action now — not in six months or a year’s time. I will continue to push for child poverty targets to be included in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill with the same determination as the 4.3 million children in poverty deserve.”
Dan Paskins, executive director of policy and advocacy at Save the Children UK, echoed these concerns. He said: “Every month that passes without action from Keir Starmer to scrap the cruel two-child limit means thousands more children are plunged into poverty. We need bold measures and firm financial commitments, beginning with the removal of the two-child limit and the wider benefit cap.”
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However, some commentators have suggested that the delay could result in a more substantial and better-funded strategy. Helen Barnard, director of policy at the Trussell Trust, wrote on social media: “Better a delayed child poverty strategy with measures to really protect children from hunger and hardship than one hitting the deadline but falling short on substance.”
Still, concerns persist that any further postponement could leave the strategy’s implementation too late to make a significant difference before the next general election — a point that has reportedly sparked unease within parts of Government.
With over four million children living in poverty in the UK, pressure is mounting on ministers to deliver a plan that is not only timely but transformative. As families continue to struggle with the cost of living crisis, eyes will now turn to the autumn budget for answers — and action.
