TSSA urges Labour rethink on two-child benefit cap

TSSA yesterday (Tuesday) wrote to Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer urging him to reverse the decision not to remove the “cruel” two-child benefit cap.

The two-child benefit cap has been blamed for increasing child poverty by academics and campaigners and described as cruel by the Children’s Commissioner for Wales.

TSSA Interim (Joint) General Secretary, Peter Pendle, said, “We find this unacceptable, such a policy would mean that millions of families will not be lifted out of poverty, even under a Labour government.

“We urge Sir Keir to reverse the decision and commit instead to removing the cap and working towards taking millions of children out of poverty.”

Full text of the letter is below

Dear Sir Keir,

Our union was disappointed to hear your statement that the next Labour Government would not remove the two-child benefit cap.

We find this unacceptable, such a policy would mean that millions of families will not be lifted out of poverty, even under a labour government. Our members are disappointed that during a worsening cost of living crisis you would make this statement.

I note the words of the Children’s Commissioner for Wales, who has described the policy as cruel and affecting children by “depriving them of their human rights to a good standard of living, health, and development."

We urge you to reverse the decision and commit instead to removing the cap and working towards taking millions of children out of poverty.

Yours Sincerely,

Peter Pendle

Interim (joint) General Secretary