BPS backs calls for the removal of the two-child benefits cap

The BPS is supporting calls to bring an end to the two-child benefits cap. 

Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has urged the Chancellor to scrap the current two-child benefits cap. It is estimated 750,000 families will miss out on benefits by 2028 due to this rule. 

Supporting the calls, Julia Faulconbridge, from the BPS's Division of Clinical Psychology said: 

"The negative psychological impact of poverty should not be underestimated. Not having enough money to make ends meet has a lasting impact, with research showing people far more likely to experience stress and poor mental health as a result. Just in schools, the demand for additional mental health support from children living in poverty has increased to 25%. 

"We also know that children growing up in poverty are four to five times more likely to develop mental health problems. Meanwhile, disadvantaged children are estimated to be over four months behind their more advantaged peers when starting school at age five.

"Removing the two-child benefits cap will go a long way to helping hundreds of thousands of families to get the support they so desperately need. Such a decision would significantly improve their health and well-being and help level the playing field across society."