Two-Child Benefit Cap Must Go – Robinson

Gavin Robinson said:

“Child poverty, and poverty across society, is a major issue facing many households across Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom. Those of us who interact with the public in our constituency offices sadly see all too often the daily struggles people face through no fault of their own. In many cases, the need is being met by community, voluntary, and faith groups who do amazing work in our communities to support the most vulnerable.

If the Government is serious about tackling child poverty, a good way to start would be to remove the deeply unfair two-child benefit cap. This policy limits benefits such as Universal Credit and child tax credits to the first two children in any family. Currently, it impacts around 550,000 households across the UK, but this will rise to around 750,000 when fully rolled out, on average costing each household around £4,300 per year. That is a huge sum of money to a low-income household still struggling with the cost of living.

In our Westminster election manifesto we made clear that the cap must go. My colleagues and I supported the amendment in the House last night because it is our stated position, because we want to see decisive action by the Government, and by Stormont, to tackle poverty. I know my colleague Gordon Lyons MLA, as Communities Minister, is exploring the mechanisms at his disposal in the devolved context to bring forward anti-poverty strategies that make a real difference.

As a party, we are committed to making progress in helping the most vulnerable in our society. We regret that the Government did not take this opportunity, but we will continue to make the case for this unfair cap to be lifted.”