Milton Keynes Liberal Democrats have welcomed the Government’s decision to finally scrap the two-child benefit cap.
A long overdue change that will lift thousands of local children out of poverty and put vital support back into the hands of struggling families.
The policy, which restricted child-related benefits to the first two children in a family, will be scrapped next year.
From April 2026, low-income families in Milton Keynes could receive around £3,500 per year in financial support for every child previously excluded under the cap.
Lib Dem councillors who have long campaigned for the removal of the cap, say the change will provide a major boost to families across the city, helping them to meet the rising costs of food, rent, and everyday essentials.
Lib Dem Spokesperson for Children’s Services, Councillor Nana Ama Ofori-Atta, said: “This is a huge moment for thousands of families across the city. For years, the two-child benefit cap has pushed local families further and further into poverty. At a time when people are turning to foodbanks and struggling to buy basic essentials, this will put money back into family budgets and help to lift the city’s most vulnerable children out of poverty.”
With an estimated 1 in 3 children growing up in poverty, the change will be a massive relief to those previously affected by the cap.
Councillor Jane Carr, Leader of Milton Keynes Liberal Democrats, added: “It’s no surprise that this year Milton Keynes City Council has seen a massive rise in residents using family centres. Every week, we see the impact financial hardship has on parents and children. Poverty is one of the biggest causes of poor mental health, so this change will make a real difference to local families.”
Last month, the Labour-run City Council announced that footfall at local family centres is up by a whopping 28% compared to this time last year.
