Isle Of Wight Councillor Welcomes Budget Move To Scrap Two-Child Benefit Cap

A decision in Wednesday’s Budget (26 November) to lift the Two-Child Benefit Cap has been hailed as an important step in tackling child poverty on the Isle of Wight.

Cllr Michael Lilley, who successfully brought a motion to the Isle of Wight Council earlier this year calling for the cap to be scrapped, said he was “delighted” with the announcement made by Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

The cap currently restricts Universal Credit support to the first two children in a family.

According to the Child Poverty Action Group, removing it could lift 350,000 children out of poverty across the UK.

Speaking in the House of Commons, the Chancellor confirmed the cap would be lifted in full from April next year, describing it as part of the “greatest reduction in child poverty over a parliament since records began.”

Cllr Lilley, Liberal Democrat councillor for Ryde Appley and Elmfield, said:

“I am delighted that the government has finally listened to all those campaigning against child poverty, including myself.

"I’ve been campaigning for over ten years on the Isle of Wight, raising awareness each Pancake Day about families who simply wouldn’t survive without foodbanks.”

He added that while the change marks a positive step, more must still be done to support struggling families on the Island.

Isle of Wight West MP Richard Quigley also welcomed the move, writing on social media:

“This is why I am a Labour MP: this government is lifting 450,000 children out of poverty.

"That change will make a huge difference to life chances, education and attainment.”