It’s time to lift the two-child limit

A new report from the Church of England and Child Poverty Action Group estimates 60,000 families are likely to be newly affected by the policy as a result of making a new claim for universal credit in the last 6 weeks, on top of the 230,000 families already affected. It draws on research with families affected by the two-child limit, and makes particular reference to the coronavirus crisis.

Here in the UK, we believe that every child should have the best start in life. This means access to free health care, a good education, and a childhood free from poverty. We wouldn’t turn away a sick child from our hospitals or stop them going to school. And yet, the two-child limit denies families the support they need from our social security system when they experience tough times, trapping kids in poverty. We need to help children thrive, by supporting parents to raise happy, healthy children – especially during the first years of a child’s life, when foundations are laid for their future development. It’s right to support families when they need it most. Our government should lift the two-child limit and help all children to thrive.