Salford families are the third worst affected in the country by the two-child benefit limit, according to figures from the End Child Poverty Coalition.
Data shows that 20 per cent of Salford families are affected by the ruling that parents are not able to claim child tax credit or universal credit for more than two children born after April 2017.
This also shows that there is a link between the two-child limit and areas that have the highest rates of child poverty.
New data released today shows that in the West Midlands, the hardest hit region, 1⃣ in7⃣ children live in families impacted by the two-child limit to benefit payments.
Why does this matter? Watch below 👇 pic.twitter.com/TVLyTSf4u4
— End Child Poverty (@EndChildPoverty) December 4, 2023
Cheveli, a mum-of- three in Salford, is now £270 worse off after having her third child just months after the benefit limit came into place.
She told Greater Manchester Poverty Action how the money would be a benefit to her: “It would make a big difference. It would help towards the energy bill and food shopping and mean I could take the kids out more.
“Sometimes the kids want to go out and play more, but I can’t afford to take them out every day or even every week – it’s just sometimes.
“I feel bad as a parent. I can’t work because I need to care for my son, who is autistic, so I’m kind of stuck to be honest.”
The Government’s benefit cap was introduced to encourage more parents of larger families to get back into work or work more hours, however research shows that the cap has a limited impact on this.
In the UK 1.5 million children are currently living in affected households, which is around one in ten, though in the worst affected areas this can be as high as three in ten.
Greater Manchester Poverty Association CEO Graham Whitham believes the policy should be scrapped: “It’s not right that children with two or more siblings are more likely to be growing up in poverty.
“This policy forces parents into horrible choices and denies families the support they need from our social security system. Abolishing it would immediately lift 250,000 children out of poverty across the country and help our children to thrive.”
GMPA say that research shows scrapping the two-child limit is thought to be the most cost-effective way of addressing child poverty.
Bringing an end to the policy could remove 250,000 children from being in poverty at a cost of £1.3bn.
Joseph Howes, chair of the End Child Poverty Coalition criticises the logic of the policy: “Imagine saying to a child who turned up at school – sorry you can’t gain access, we won’t fund your education – only your two older siblings qualify.
“We know from speaking with families impacted by the two-child limit that this time of year is anything but joyful. Instead, they worry about heating their homes, and providing even basic food over the Christmas period.
“If political parties seriously want to tackle child poverty, they need to start by scrapping the two-child limit to benefit payments.”
Featured image taken/owned by photographer DirectMedia. Photo posed by models.
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