Scrap two-child benefit cap – SNP

THE SNP has called for “unnecessary suffering” caused by the two-child benefit cap to end seven years on from its introduction.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been urged to reflect on the damage critics say the policy has caused families and commit to scrapping it.

SNP MP Alison Thewliss said a potential incoming Labour government should “grow a backbone” and scrap it if the Tories don’t. Labour has said it would not commit unless ditching it could be fully costed, but Sir Keir Starmer said his party would seek to apply the policy “more fairly”.

Under the policy families can’t claim benefits for a third or subsequent child born after April 6 2017. An associated so-called rape clause grants exemptions for a child born as a result of “non-consensual conception”.

Child tax and universal credit is restricted, so families lose out on around £3,200 a year per extra child.

Ms Thewliss said: “Despite overwhelming evidence that the policy has done nothing but impose severe harm on women and children, the Tories have remained wedded to it, revealing their wilful ignorance to the horrors of child poverty and rape in modern day Britain.”

Taking aim at Labour, she said: “Having repeatedly refused to commit to getting rid of the two-child cap if they win the next election, lead many to ask: What is the point of Labour?

“Whilst it will be no surprise if the Tories ignore our call... we should expect Labour to grow a backbone and commit to making a lasting change overnight by ending, once and for all, the two-child cap and rape clause.”

The UK Government has been asked for comment.

Scottish Labour’s health spokesman Paul O’Kane said: “While poverty rises under the SNP’s watch and waits for social security payments soar, they would rather attack Scottish Labour than set their own house in order.”

POLICY: The UK Government’s cap on claiming benefits for a third or subsequent child remains controversial.