According to a new report, ‘Lost Opportunities’, by charity Nesta, families affected by the two child limit are finding it hard to afford basic necessities, eat well and give their children valuable and rewarding life experiences.
It is based on 35 interviews with parents in England affected by the cap, which was introduced in 2017, changing the eligibility criteria for Universal Credit and Tax Credit allowances. Under the policy, families no longer qualify for support for their third and subsequent children.
Allyson, a lone parent of four and employed part-time, with one child impacted by the cap, said, ‘When I was on Tax Credits I would be able to go and get my weekly shop. Now I have to do a monthly shop and by the time the first week is over there’s no food left.’
Parents said their younger children have fewer opportunities than was the case for their older siblings, with a lot less money for both enjoyment and developmental opportunities via toys, books, games and extra-curricular activities.
Families affected by the policy also said that debt is a growing problem as they try to make ends meet, creating a stressful home environment.
'The parents we talked to are carrying the guilt and emotional stress of feeling like their children are losing out on opportunities.'
Sarah Cattan, director of Nesta’s Fairer Start team, said, ‘The lived experience of families affected by the two child limit paints a grim picture. The parents we talked to are struggling to keep their head above water financially and carry the guilt and emotional stress of feeling like their children are losing out on opportunities.
‘Our research suggests that children affected by the policy may receive less investment in their early childhood development and we know this is a loss that affects young people’s life chances into adulthood.’
