Scrapping two-child benefit cap will make 'real difference' to city families, says MP

DERBY South MP Baggy Shanker believes the decision to scrap the two-child benefit cap will significantly help to tackle the city’s poverty crisis.

- By NIGEL SLATER Local democracy reporter

The Labour MP spoke out after the Government delivered its Budget and said removing the cap “will make a real difference to families here in Derby”.

The two-child benefit cap, enforced by previous Conservative-led governments, meant parents could only claim Universal Credit or tax credits for their first two children.

It was introduced to cut spending and encourage more people to work.

But the decision to scrap it has been called for in places such as Derby.

In 2023, it was reported that more than 20,000 children were living in poverty across the city and struggling for daily essentials.

In the Arboretum ward of Derby, which covers much of the city centre, data showed almost two in every three children - 63 per cent - are growing up in poverty.