UPDATE: Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar is urgently calling on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to abolish the controversial two-child benefit cap in her upcoming Budget announcement this month. Speaking in Glasgow earlier today, Sarwar emphasized the necessity of this change to combat rising child poverty and improve living standards for families across Scotland.
Sarwar’s comments come as the Chancellor is set to unveil her Budget later in October 2023, amid growing concerns that the economic measures may lead to a “return to austerity.” The two-child cap has long been criticized for limiting parents’ access to essential benefits for families with more than two children, a policy seen as detrimental to vulnerable households.
“We must ensure this Budget addresses child poverty directly,” Sarwar stated, adding that eliminating the cap is crucial for achieving that goal. He further insisted that the Budget should also focus on reducing energy bills and securing a brighter economic future without reverting to harsh measures seen under previous Conservative governments.
While the Scottish National Party (SNP) and other opposition figures have continuously condemned the two-child benefit cap, Sarwar’s appeal underscores the Labour party’s commitment to prioritizing family welfare. He expressed confidence that Reeves could enact the necessary fiscal reforms to remove the cap, especially as reports suggest she may refrain from increasing income taxes, a move that could provide the fiscal space needed for such changes.
“I don’t support income tax rises, and I’ve been clear about that for years,” Sarwar added, signaling that the party is focused on finding alternative solutions. The upcoming Budget is anticipated to have significant implications for Labour’s strategy as they prepare for the next Holyrood election, with Sarwar stressing the importance of utilizing this opportunity to unseat the SNP.
As the countdown to the Chancellor’s Budget announcement continues, the pressure mounts on the government to deliver solutions that genuinely address the pressing challenges facing families. With child poverty rates on the rise, the stakes could not be higher for the Labour party and for families across Scotland.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
