CEO’s response to the removal of the two-child benefit cap

27th November 2025

Sue McEniff, CEO of Charity Link, responds to yesterday’s Budget and removal of the two-child benefit cap:

“We welcome the Government’s announcement to scrap the two-child benefit cap from April 2026.  We are proud to have personally lobbied the previous Secretary of State for Work & Pensions to remove this benefit cap, and it is a change that, once implemented, will have a direct impact on reducing child poverty.

However, whilst the scrapping of the cap will lift hundreds of thousands of children out of relative poverty, it is important to recognise that it is many months until this change comes into effect.  Even then, benefits are there to help families with day-to-day budgets in the long term, and will not cover irregular expenses, such as when a bed or washing machine is needed. Many families will also remain in deep poverty, with other caps limiting the gain for the most vulnerable, particularly those out of work or with high housing costs. With the cost of living crisis far from over, and high inflation for essentials, such as food and utilities, remaining, there is an urgent need to support those who do not have the means to buy the items we all need for a decent standard of living.

The removal of the cap must be part of a wider strategy to tackle structural and persistent child poverty, and we await the forthcoming Child Poverty Strategy White Paper – expected imminently – to understand how we can reverse the trends that have such a detrimental impact on childhoods and future lives.

Today, as throughout our nearly 150 year history, Charity Link remains dedicated to supporting those facing hardship or crisis, including working families struggling to make ends meet and people with chronic health issues, disabilities and caring responsibilities. We continue to see severe deprivation every day, and whilst the removal of the two-child benefit cap is a positive step, we must be under no illusion that the need for our support is any less urgent or vital.

Together let’s keep pushing for policies that give every child – indeed every person – the chance to thrive.”