The two child limit

Early day motion 1513, tabled 19 July 2023 by Alison Thewliss (Scottish National Party). Signed by 35 members.

That this House notes the publication of recent figures relating to the two child limit of Universal Credit and Working Tax Credits; understands that the two child limit prevents parents from claiming Child Tax Credit or Universal Credit for any third or subsequent child born after April 2017; observes that 421,660 households are now affected by this punitive policy; further notes that scrapping the policy would cost around £1.3 billion a year but would be targeted at lifting 250,000 children out of poverty, and reduce poverty for 850,000 more; further understands that poverty campaigners have argued that scrapping the limit is one of the most cost-effective ways of lifting children out of poverty; agrees that six years from the introduction of the two child limit it has been woefully unsuccessful in meeting its stated policy aim of making work pay, with 59% of those affected identified as in work; and expresses deep disappointment at the refusal of the two main parties in this Parliament to scrap this pernicious policy.

Signatures by party: Scottish National Party 26, Plaid Cymru 3, Independent 2, Alba 1, Green 1, Labour 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.