Rise in number of families affected by two-child cap

Mary Glasgow, chief executive of Children 1st said: “The new Prime Minister must urgently abandon the two-child cap policy. In Scotland, more than 27,000 families, an increase of 2,000 since last year, are now affected by this cruel policy that pushes children and families further into poverty. 

“If the new Government is serious about addressing child poverty, removing the cap would be one of the quickest and most effective ways to make an immediate difference to families’ finances which are under huge pressure right now.  

“If the cap is not scrapped, tragically more children and families will reach crisis point and the number of children whose lives are blighted by poverty will continue to increase. Poverty ruins lives and it is an unacceptable and avoidable tragedy that one in four children continue to live in  poverty.  

“Our teams across Scotland are supporting families who are struggling to afford the basics and our financial wellbeing team saw a staggering 92% increase in the number of families asking for support between 2022 and 2023.  

“Families who are feeling anxious or stressed about their financial situation can contact Children 1st Parentline for advice and support on 08000 28 22 23 or visit www.children1st.org.uk/parentline.”