A number of news outlets have reported that Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, is planning to scrap the two-child benefit cap and replace it with a tapered system. Poverty is a key driver of mental health.
Mark Rowland, Chief Executive at Mental Health Foundation, said:
“The two-child benefit cap is an unfair policy which has done significant damage to the mental health of thousands of families across the UK by entrenching poverty and forcing them to struggle financially simply for having three or more children. Growing up in poverty damages your mental health, and for the past eight years the UK government has needlessly subjected thousands of children to that fate. The news that it is due to be removed is excellent.
“We are, however, concerned by reports that the UK government plans to replace the cap with a tapered system, rather than abolishing it altogether. While details of the tapering are yet to be confirmed, we would warn against any system which does not have the complete eradication of child poverty as its sole principle. Anything less will be a dereliction of duty.”