Poole MP says two-child benefit cap 'must go' to stop leaving 'kids behind'
MP Neil Duncan-Jordan slams the policy hurting 1,870 children in Poole and says scrapping the two-child limit is the best way to reduce child poverty
Last updated 19th Nov 2025
The MP for Poole has called it a ‘national scandal’ that 400,000 children nationally continue to live in poverty amid calls to abolish the two-child benefit cap.
The two-child limit excludes most households with a third or subsequent child born on or after 6 April 2017 from claiming Universal Credit.
Figures from the Department for Work and Pensions in April show 1,830 children in South Dorset and a further 1870 children in Pool alone were affected by the two-child limit.
Using the latest census figures, it means around 12 per 1,000 households across the region were impacted by the policy.
Neil Duincan-Jordan said: “The two-child benefit cap is the biggest driver of rising child poverty. it continues to be rolled out, pushing 109 children into poverty every day.
“Growing up in poverty can lead to poor educational outcomes, worse physical and mental health, shorter life expectancy and higher infant mortality.
“It damages children, families and their communities, puts a strain on public services and hinders growth.”
The police effects one in nine children across the UK, one million of whom are working are in working families.
“Scrapping it is the most cost-effective way of way to reduce child poverty,” the MP said. “Anything less than fully scrapping the policy will leave kids behind, including those in deeper poverty who need support the most.”
Research has found that while the first child in a family comes with more associated costs, subsequent children cost the same.
Although families might make the odd saving from a hand-me-down coat, significant costs like childcare must be paid for individually and campaigners feel the system of support should reflect this.
MP Duncan-Jordan added: “Scrapping the two-child benefit and benefit cap in full will make life better for some of the countries poorest children.
“The full abolition of the policy is the bare minimum required for the child poverty strategy to be credible and effective.”
“This is not the time for half measures that leave far too many children behind.”