SASW urges Labour MSPs to scrap the cap

SASW has reached out to senior Scottish Labour MSPs urging them to support our calls for the two-child cap to be scrapped.

The move comes following UK Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer's comments that his party would keep the policy should he become the next Prime Minister, citing the need to make ‘tough decisions.’

The two-child benefit cap prevents parents from claiming child tax credit or universal credit for any third or subsequent child born after April 2017. It currently affects approximately over 80,000 children across Scotland. The policy is responsibile for pushing children and their families into deepening poverty, limiting their life opportunities and widening inequalities.

SASW firmly believes that the cap must be scrapped. If we are serious about lifting people out of poverty then the benefit cap has no place in our society.

SASW National Director, Alison Bavidge has therefore written to Scottish Labour leader, Anas Sarwar and senior Labour MSP, Paul O'Kane urging them to use their influence to press their UK party leadership to commit to ending this cruel and unjust policy, should they form the next UK Government. The letter says:

"We are aware of UK Labour’s position to not scrap the two-child cap on benefits should Labour win the next General Election and form a UK government. We urge the Scottish Labour Party to take a principled stance and oppose this position. We ask you to treat all children as equal citizens, whatever their birth position in the family. Please recognise the financial inequalities that the two-child cap places primarily on women in addition to the emotional devastation for women and children when women feel they must use the “rape clause” to get child benefit for third or subsequent children."

Read the full letter below.

SASW will continue working with politicians from all parties on ways to tackle poverty and inequality. 

Read about BASW's anti-poverty campaign