Two-child Limit Child Poverty 2023-09-04
2023-09-04
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP seeks to understand the government's assessment of the potential impact of the two-child benefit limit on trends in child poverty. She highlights concerns over rising child poverty rates and the disproportionate effect on larger families.
What assessment has the Department made of the potential impact of the two-child limit on trends in the level of child poverty? I am concerned about recent studies indicating that policies such as the benefit cap and wider benefit cuts are pushing more children into hardship, particularly those from larger families. A report by the Child Poverty Action Group found that abolishing the policy would be highly effective in reducing child poverty.
The Government's firm belief is that the best route out of poverty is through work. In 2021-22, there were 400,000 fewer children living in absolute poverty after housing costs than in 2009-10.
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Assessment & feedback
The assessment of the two-child limit's impact on child poverty trends and the specific ask to abolish it
Focusing On Work As A Solution
Citing Overall Reduction In Absolute Poverty
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
A University of York study suggests that the two-child limit and benefit cap contribute to rising child poverty. The MP challenges the government to acknowledge this evidence and reverse these policies.
A recent study by the University of York found that the two-child limit and the benefit cap had contributed to rising child poverty, impacting larger families disproportionately. Given the growing weight of evidence showing real harm from welfare policies, will the Government finally acknowledge this and reverse them?
Families on benefits should face similar financial choices regarding family size as those who support themselves through work. A benefit system that adjusts automatically based on family size is unsustainable.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask to acknowledge harm and reverse policies
Discussing The Sustainability Of A Benefits System
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Child Poverty Action Group reported that abolishing the two-child limit would be highly effective in reducing child poverty. The MP asks why the government will not take this action.
A report by the Child Poverty Action Group showed that the two-child limit affects one in 10 children across the UK, with abolition being a cost-effective measure to reduce child poverty. Why will the Minister not take this action? Is child poverty low on his priority list?
The Government are committed to a sustainable long-term approach to tackling poverty and supporting people on low incomes. We will spend around £276 billion through the welfare system in 023-24, including about £124 billion on working-age individuals and children.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask to abolish the two-child limit
Highlighting Government Commitment
Citing Overall Welfare Spending
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP questions the number of people who have had to prove they were raped in order to receive an exemption from the two-child limit.
The Minister seems unaware that the two-child limit affects those on in-work benefits. Only if a woman can prove her third or subsequent child is due to rape does she qualify for an exemption. How many women has his Department asked to provide proof of rape to get this exemption?
We do not use such language but will write to him.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask for a number of people proving rape
Avoiding The Question About Proof
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP expresses disappointment that the government does not know how many women have been asked to prove rape for exemptions. He mentions Labour party support for similar policies and criticizes future Conservative governments for maintaining high child poverty rates.
I am disappointed that the Minister cannot provide this number, as his Department has made 2,590 women prove they were raped in order to get an exemption. Will he feel comfort knowing that if George Osborne's legacy continues under Labour's Blairite leadership, astronomical child poverty rates will persist?
Compared to 2009-10, there are 400,000 fewer children in absolute poverty after housing costs.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about future government policies and comfort with child poverty rates
Citing Reduction In Absolute Poverty
Response accuracy