The UK government is limiting key means-tested benefits to the first two children in a family.

What is it about?

Child tax credit and universal credit provide means-tested support for low-income families. The government have introduced a two-child limit for these benefits meaning that the child element of child tax credit and universal credit will no longer be awarded for third or subsequent children born after 6 April 2017. The government argue that the benefit system should provide a fair deal for the tax payer and that families claiming benefits should face the same financial choices as those in work. However, it has been argued that there is an inherent moral injustice in linking benefit entitlement to the size of the family and that there will be an increase in child poverty

Featured Image

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This policy raises significant questions about the role and scope of the welfare state and the move away from a 'needs-based' system. The most controversial element is the so-called 'rape clause' where an exception applies if a claimant can show that there is evidence that a third or subsequent child was born as a result of rape or non-consensual conception at a time when the claimant was in an abusive relationship and subject to control and coercion. This creates ethical dilemmas for professionals who support claimants and may be asked to provide evidence to support this exception.

Perspectives