Scrapping two-child benefit cap will help reduce child poverty

Almost 800 families in Renfrewshire will benefit from the lifting of the two-child benefit cap.

- EDEL KENEALY

The policy, which took effect from 2017 under the Conservatives, restricts child allowances in universal credit and tax credits, worth up to £3,235 a year, to the first two children in a family.

However, the Scottish Government has confirmed it will scrap the controversial policy north of the border by offering payments to affected families from March 2026.

The mitigation payment will be offered as a separate benefit, administered by Social Security Scotland.

It means 790 children across Renfrewshire will be better off with many set to be lifted out of relative poverty altogether.

The move has been welcomed by SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, and minister for children and young people, Natalie Don-Innes.