The Archbishop of York has called for the government to scrap the two-child benefit cap, as part of Challenge Poverty Week.

Writing in the Yorkshire Post, the Most Rev Stephen Cottrell says: “There absolutely does not need to be poverty in the UK. It is not natural or inevitable, but is entirely the result of human decisions.”   

“This year I have been among many urging the Government to scrap the two-child limit, which limits the support given to children with more than one sibling.

“Ending this harmful policy would be the single most effective way of lifting children out of poverty, and it is something the Government absolutely ought to do.”

The two-child benefit limit prevents households with a third child (born from 6 April 2017) from receiving universal credit or child tax credits for any number of children they have beyond two.

The Archbishop said: “My vision for the future of this country must include far greater economic and social justice.”

Shortly after being elected in July 2024, Keir Starmer gave the most promising indication that he would scrap the cap, in response to Bridget Philipson saying she “would consider” lifting the cap.