CHILDREN in Redditch are set to have a more positive year ahead after the government announced scrapping the two-child limit and introducing a comprehensive package of support for working families.
The strategy with lift 2,350 children in Redditch out of poverty by expanding free school meals for families receiving Universal Credit, rolling out free breakfast clubs, and expanding free childcare and increasing upfront childcare costs through Universal Credit.
Scrapping the two child benefit cap was a controversial move in the recent budget, after seven Labour MP’s were suspended for supporting an amendment to scrap it in 2024.
Redditch MP Chris Bloore has welcomed the news.
He said: “Child poverty stifles opportunity and I see every week in Redditch how rising costs and insecure work have made life harder for families who are trying their best to get by.
“This strategy is a real turning point. No child’s future should be determined by the circumstances of their birth.”
Almost three in four children growing up in poverty today live in working families, with the two-child limit identified as the single biggest driver of rising child poverty in recent years.
The strategy will also put an end to the inappropriate placement of families in Bed and Breakfast accommodation beyond six weeks, it will aim to increase support to help parents return to work.
They will also put in new measures to make infant formula more affordable, potentially saving families up to £540 in a baby’s first year
Mr Bloore added: “In Redditch I’ve met hardworking parents doing everything they can to provide for their children, yet still struggling with soaring costs.
“This strategy puts fairness and opportunity back at the heart of government and will make a real difference to families across our community.”
