Scrapping two-child cap would save hundreds of lives

The number of child deaths and rates of children in care would fall substantially if the government were to scrap the two-child cap, a large-scale study has found.

The cap means parents can only claim tax credit or universal credit for up to two children. It’s been highly criticised for pushing thousands of children into poverty – with data showing a link between areas with a high child poverty rate and the number of families with more than two children.

Researchers from the universities of Glasgow, Liverpool and Newcastle ran scenarios to find out what effects different reductions in child poverty would over the next 10 years in England.

In their highest, ‘but realistic’, scenario of a 35% fall of poverty levels, 293 infant deaths would be avoided, with 4,696 fewer children entering care. We’d also see 458 fewer hospital admissions of children with nutritional anaemias and avoid 32,650 childhood emergency admissions.

Areas with high rates of poverty, especially the north-east of England, would likely benefit the most from ending the two-child cap.

Less pressure on councils & health services

Thanks to the child health improvements we’d see if the cap were removed, local authorities and the NHS would save significantly, the report says.

With fewer child hospital admission, there would be less pressure on A&E services. On top of this, councils would feel the relief from having fewer children in care.

Will the government scrap the cap?

We’re calling on the government to scrap the two-child cap and immediately lift a quarter of a million children out of poverty.

But despite mounting pressure from organisations and MPs across parties, the Labour government currently has no plans to remove the limit. A government spokesperson said they would tackle the crisis with an “ambitious child poverty strategy”.

If you’re struggling to make ends meet because of this limit, it might be time to ask for help.

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