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Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has declined to comment on whether the government is considering abolishing the two-child benefit cap. The Observer reported that Sir Keir Starmer had privately supported scrapping the limit and asked the Treasury to allocate £3.5bn for this purpose. This policy prevents most families from receiving means-tested benefits for any third or subsequent children born after April 2017. When asked by Laura Kuenssberg if she supports the removal of the cap, Rayner stated, “I’m not going to speculate on what our government will do.”
Rayner highlighted the establishment of a Child Poverty Taskforce, which is contemplating various measures including the removal of the two-child benefit cap. She mentioned that they are evaluating different challenges and solutions, such as plans to expedite housebuilding. The government’s child poverty strategy, overseen by the taskforce, has been postponed and might be unveiled in the autumn, according to the BBC. A leaked memo from Rayner’s department to the Daily Telegraph suggested “clawing back” child benefit payments from affluent families, among other proposals. When asked about this, Rayner declined to provide a clear stance and emphasized that ministers are focusing on addressing child poverty.
Amid speculation that Rayner leaked the memo to vie for Sir Keir’s position, she rejected such claims and reiterated her dedication to her role as deputy prime minister. She denied any divisions within Sir Keir’s cabinet and assured that the government is united. The debate on the two-child benefit cap emerged following the prime minister’s reversal on cuts to winter fuel payments after public pressure. Sir Keir announced a policy modification in the autumn Budget, emphasizing the importance of affordability. Rayner suggested that Rachel Reeves would elaborate on any forthcoming changes at the “next fiscal event.”
Nigel Farage proposed reinstating the winter fuel allowance and abolishing the two-child benefit cap if Reform UK came into power, a notion dismissed by Rayner. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized such promises, emphasizing the need for practical and viable solutions. Badenoch stressed that lifting the two-child benefit cap is not financially feasible, but advocated for the full restoration of winter fuel payments
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