UPDATE: The leader of Scottish Labour, Anas Sarwar, has urgently called on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to abolish the controversial two-child benefit cap in her upcoming Budget announcement scheduled for later this month. Speaking in Glasgow, Sarwar emphasized that removing this cap is essential to combat rising child poverty and avert a return to austerity measures.
During a press engagement on Friday, Sarwar outlined three critical objectives for the forthcoming Budget: tackle child poverty by eliminating the two-child cap, enhance living standards through reduced energy bills, and avoid retracing the austerity steps of previous Conservative governments. He stated, “We can’t return to austerity like we had under the Conservatives. That has to be the fundamentally different approach this Labour Government takes.”
The two-child benefit cap has been criticized by opposition figures, including the SNP-run Scottish Government, for limiting financial support to families with more than two children. Mitigation measures are expected to roll out in Scotland by early next year, but Sarwar believes immediate action is necessary.
Sarwar also indicated that he has previously discussed these issues with both Chancellor Reeves and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. He remarked, “We elected a Labour Government for a purpose and a reason and there have already been huge strides made,” highlighting the urgency of making impactful choices in the upcoming Budget.
Recent reports suggest that Reeves may not increase income tax as previously anticipated, which could complicate fiscal decisions regarding the two-child cap. Sarwar stated, “I don’t support income tax rises… there will have to be fiscal decisions taken by Ms Reeves to scrap the benefit cap.”
As the Holyrood election approaches, Sarwar’s comments underscore the importance of the upcoming Budget for shaping Labour’s policy direction and electoral strategy. He affirmed, “We can’t miss the opportunity to get rid of the SNP.”
The Chancellor’s Budget announcement is anticipated to be a pivotal moment for families across Scotland, with the potential to significantly influence child welfare and economic support in the region. As developments unfold, the public will be closely monitoring how these proposals are received and implemented.
