Reform UK would restore the two-child benefit cap in full, Robert Jenrick has announced, marking a major U-turn for the party. In his first speech as Reform's Treasury spokesperson, Jenrick said the party had changed its stance since Nigel Farage last year said he would scrap the limit. Critics argue the move would plunge hundreds of thousands of children into poverty.
Jenrick also outlined plans to reform the Motability scheme, which provides vehicles for disabled people, to 'end abuse' where 'expensive cars are handed out for conditions like tennis elbow'. He said only British nationals would be able to claim benefits, and those claiming for 'mild anxiety, depression, and similar conditions' would be stopped unless they had a clinical diagnosis.
During his speech in the City of London, Jenrick said: 'We want to help working families have more children. But right now, we just cannot afford to do so with welfare. So it has to go.' He added that a Reform government would restore the two-child benefit cap in full.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the move 'shameful', saying: 'I'm incredibly proud that this government has scrapped the cruel two-child limit. Reform wants to push hundreds of thousands of children into poverty.'
In a move to allay market fears, Jenrick said the independence of the Bank of England would remain and the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) would not be abolished. This appeared at odds with previous statements from Farage, who has called for greater political influence on the central bank.
Jenrick said the party was promising 'fiscal stability' combined with 'radical reform', and under a Reform government the Bank of England would be stripped of its role in moving the UK towards net zero, which he called a 'distraction'.
