Some benefit claimants will receive a major boost to payments before Keir Starmer leaves Downing Street, following the lifting of the two-child benefit cap. Universal Credit claimants with more than two children will be better off each month as a result of this policy change, one of the key reforms of Starmer's Government.
Extra £608 per month for families with four children
Under previous rules, parents could only claim benefits for their first two children. The divisive policy change allows parents with more than two children to claim more in benefits. Parents with four children will get an extra £608 a month, and the figure will be even higher for those with five or six children.
Keir Starmer has insisted that scrapping the two-child benefit cap is crucial to lifting some of the poorest children out of poverty. Opponents have accused him of wasting too much money on boosting benefits, arguing that it disincentivises work and questioning whether the extra money will actually be spent on the children.
Many claimants already in work
It is important to remember that around 40% of people on Universal Credit also work. Parents often find it difficult to find stable work with enough pay and hours while juggling childcare responsibilities.
There is no indication yet that Andy Burnham is considering reversing the decision should he become the next Prime Minister, as appears likely, though his policies on welfare are expected to become clearer in time.
