Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has called for a comprehensive strategy to combat child poverty, arguing that scrapping the two-child benefit cap alone won’t resolve the issue. Speaking in Glasgow alongside Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, Rayner addressed concerns about the Scottish Government’s plan to mitigate the cap, which limits certain benefits to families with up to two children.
“There’s not just one lever to pull,” Rayner said. “A chronic housing crisis, insecure work, zero-hour contracts, and low pay all contribute to child poverty. We must address these interconnected issues to make a real difference.”
The Two-Child Cap and Political Debate
The two-child benefit cap has faced significant criticism, with Labour previously describing it as “obscene.” While the UK Government has acknowledged the need for change, financial constraints have delayed action. In response, the Scottish Government announced plans to mitigate the cap by 2026.
However, Sarwar criticized the SNP for its slow progress, stating, “The SNP talks about scrapping the cap, but it’s not in this year’s Budget. They need to address work, housing, education, and health—areas where they have control but are failing Scotland’s children.”
Labour’s Position on Mitigation
Labour’s stance has been clear: they would support the Scottish Government’s Budget if mitigation measures were implemented by April. However, Scottish ministers have indicated that obtaining the necessary data from the Department for Work and Pensions may delay their plans.
Sarwar noted that while Labour abstained from the Budget vote, they remain committed to pressing for immediate action on child poverty.
Child Poverty: A Multifaceted Challenge
Angela Rayner emphasized that resolving child poverty requires more than isolated measures. She stated, “A taskforce is needed to address the systemic issues contributing to child poverty. We can’t rely on slogans or single policies but must pull multiple levers to deliver real change.”
Her comments underline the need for a united effort involving housing reform, fair wages, and better work conditions, alongside targeted welfare policies.
