Prime Minister Keir Starmer has hinted that the UK’s controversial two-child benefit cap could be scrapped in the upcoming budget, signaling a major step in his plans to reduce child poverty. Speaking to ITV, Starmer said he is “determined to drive child poverty down” with measures including free school meals, breakfast clubs, and free childcare.
The two-child benefit cap currently limits child benefit payments to the first two children in a household. Scrapping the policy would allow families with more than two children to claim benefits for all their children, at an estimated cost of around £3 billion. The move is expected to be part of a broader package of social welfare measures, which may also feed into speculation about a potential income tax increase in the budget.
Labour insists that the focus on child poverty aligns with its commitment to the working class. Starmer emphasized, “We’re fighting for the working class – always have been, always will be.”
Other developments in UK politics this week include newly released figures showing 91 prisoners were released in error between April and October 2025 due to administrative mistakes such as misplaced warrants or miscalculated sentences. Justice Minister David Lammy will address the matter in Parliament.
In Essex, a court has ruled that the Bell Hotel can continue housing asylum seekers, rejecting a council attempt to block the arrangement, which had caused local protests.
Meanwhile, 75 cross-party MPs have raised concerns over 15 gentoo penguins kept in the Sea Life London Aquarium’s basement, urging DEFRA to review their welfare and consider relocation to a more suitable environment. The debate has drawn public protests and attention from animal welfare advocates.
The BBC is also under scrutiny as Donald Trump threatens legal action over a Panorama programme. Conservative Shadow Culture Secretary Nigel Huddleston has called for a formal apology from the broadcaster, emphasizing that British licence payers should not bear the cost of errors. Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden noted that the BBC should correct mistakes but distanced the government from any direct involvement.
As the budget approaches in mid-November, the government faces multiple challenges: rising unemployment, economic pressures, and public debates on social welfare, immigration, and media accountability. Starmer’s proposed removal of the two-child cap is set to be one of the most significant policy announcements of the upcoming budget.