Ministers seek views on ‘flagship’ two-child cap mitigation policy
The Scottish Government is seeking views from the public on what it calls its “flagship policy” of effectively ending the two-child benefits cap.
SNP ministers have pledged to mitigate the effects of the cap from April 2026, with some suggestions the policy could begin earlier if possible.
A consultation will run until April 18, with members of the public invited to share their views on how the scheme should be delivered – including whether the devolved agency Social Security Scotland should handle the payments.
Independent experts at the Scottish Fiscal Commission have already advised the policy could cost £155 million in its first year.
Opponents have pointed out no money has been set aside for this in the Government’s 2025/26 spending plans.
Discussions between the UK Department for Work and Pensions and the Scottish Government on data sharing which would enable the policy to take place are ongoing.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said there is “irrefutable” evidence the two-child cap is increasing poverty.
She said: “The UK Government has failed to scrap the two-child cap despite it being a key driver of child poverty. In the face of such inaction, the Scottish Government is determined to end the impact in Scotland.
“If we can safely get the systems up and running earlier than April 2026, then we will make our first payments earlier – helping to lift thousands more children out of poverty.
“We have launched a consultation calling for people to respond as we look to put the necessary systems in place to achieve our goal.
“We have made clear to the UK Government what is needed for us to end the impact of this policy and I would urge people and organisations across Scotland to contribute to make their views known.”
Ms Somerville said the Scottish Budget will invest £3 billion in tackling poverty and the cost of living.
The tax and spending plans are due to go through their final vote at Holyrood next week.
The Scotland Office said UK officials are already working with the Scottish Government on its request for data sharing, and added the Chancellor’s Budget had delivered an extra £4.9 billion for Scotland next year.
A UK Government spokeswoman said: “No child should be in poverty, that’s why our ministerial taskforce is exploring all levers available across Government to give children across the United Kingdom the best start in life.
“As we fix the foundations of the economy to make everyone better off, we’re increasing the national living wage, capping how much universal credit can be taken for debt repayments, and getting people into work through our Get Britain Working plan to put more money in people’s pockets and help families build a brighter future.”