Summary
Bridget Phillipson, an education secretary, has indicated that the two-child benefit cap might be removed, hinting at possible changes in welfare policy. This issue has become a significant point in the Labour Party's deputy leadership contest, with both Phillipson and rival Lucy Powell highlighting it as central to addressing child poverty.
Key Facts
- Bridget Phillipson suggested that removing the two-child benefit cap is a possibility.
- The cap limits benefit payments to only two children in a family for those on universal or child tax credit.
- The two-child policy started in 2017 under the Conservative government.
- Phillipson and Powell are both running for the Labour Party's deputy leadership.
- Removing the cap could lift 470,000 children out of poverty, costing an estimated £3.5 billion.
- Lucy Powell has criticized the government's past welfare policy actions and emphasized the need for clear plans to address child poverty.
- Reform UK has also supported scrapping the cap, but some Conservatives question if it's financially feasible.
- Phillipson has been involved in government roles focusing on child poverty and free school meals.
