Child benefit could be limited to two children for all families

[Jazzy]

All families could have their child benefit limited to their first two children in future under plans being considered by the Government.



The change is understood to be one of a number of options ministers could introduce as they attempt to rein in the welfare bill.



Iain Duncan Smith, the Work and Pensions Secretary, suggested last month that unemployed parents could lose the right to claim extra benefits if they have more than two children.



He questioned whether families on benefits should continue to receive endless sums of money for every child they have, when parents who are working often cannot afford to have more children.



But the latest idea would apply to all parents and not just those out of work.

If introduced, it would not affect existing families.



David Gauke, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, hinted at the reform in an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Moneybox programme.



“It’s important that the welfare system works in such a way that everybody is faced with a degree of responsibility as to the children they have and whether they are able to afford that,” he said.

Full article

 

[Evil Eye]

No, I understand they want to keep people from making money off having children, but this is not the way to do it.

If it's really such a problem, they're giving too much money per child, because child support should be about supporting children, not using them to get money.

 

[Simple Simon]

I'm all for it. If people want to have a dozen kids, they should be free to do so... but not on my dime.