The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that some benefit claimants will receive significantly higher payments in June following recent rule changes. Parents with more than two children claiming Universal Credit will now receive much larger regular payments after Labour’s decision to scrap the two-child benefit cap.
This change will put hundreds of pounds extra into the pockets of some of the poorest families every month, making a massive difference to the finances of larger households. For example, parents with four children will get an extra £608 per month, with even higher amounts for those with five or six children.
The scrapping of the two-child benefit cap has proved divisive, with welfare spending once again a major talking point. The Government insists lifting the cap is the moral thing to do and will lift millions of children out of poverty following years of Conservative austerity. However, opponents argue that Labour is prioritising too much spending on benefits, with some critics claiming there is no guarantee extra cash will be spent on improving children’s lives and that boosting benefits disincentivises finding work.
Former Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair is the latest figure to criticise scrapping the cap. It is important to note that around 40% of people on Universal Credit also work, and parents often find it difficult to secure stable employment with sufficient pay and hours while juggling childcare responsibilities.
