Reform’s plan includes reinstating the full two-child benefit limit, which could lead to increased child poverty. The Labour party is set to remove the current cap in April, allowing parents to claim Child Tax Credit or Universal Credit for more than two children. Approximately 1.6 million children in larger families have been affected by this restriction, according to data from July.
Robert Jenrick, the new Treasury spokesman for Reform, announced the intention to reimpose the cap as part of a broader reduction in benefits. This decision follows an incident where Jenrick mistakenly voted in favor of lifting the two-child limit. Opposition leader Keir Starmer criticized Reform, accusing them of endangering the financial well-being of hundreds of thousands of children.
During a speech in London, Jenrick explained that the focus is on supporting working families to have more children but emphasized that the current welfare system cannot sustain such measures. As Reform’s Shadow Chancellor, Jenrick pledged to reinstate the full cap, emphasizing the party’s commitment to workers rather than welfare recipients.
Reform’s proposed changes also include requiring in-person assessments for sickness or disability benefits and limiting mental health benefits to individuals with a clinical diagnosis. Jenrick stated that individuals with mild anxiety, depression, or similar conditions would be encouraged to seek employment rather than rely on disability benefits.
Additionally, Reform plans to restrict benefits to British nationals and tighten regulations on the Motability scheme, which allows beneficiaries to lease vehicles using their allowances.
Critics, including Labour’s Anna Turley, condemned Reform’s policies, alleging that the party’s actions would increase child poverty significantly. Nigel Farage, in response to backlash, acknowledged difficulties in implementing pro-family measures and distanced himself from accusations of socialist tendencies.
Jenrick’s address followed Farage’s appointment of former Tory members to key positions within his party. Suella Braverman, a former Home Secretary, was appointed to oversee education, skills, and equalities, while other prominent roles were given to Farage’s long-time associates Richard Tice and Zia Yusuf.
