The beginning of April saw a number of changes that represent a significant shift in income distribution and the rights of workers. But you would not know it as every reform is framed as problematic by those in the right wing and mainstream media.
CHILD POVERTY
Child poverty refers to a situation where children lack the financial resources and living conditions needed to grow up healthy, safe, and able to reach their full potential.
In simple terms: It means a child is growing up in a household that cannot afford basic needs like:
- Nutritious food
- Safe and warm housing
- Clothing
- Education materials
- Opportunities to participate in normal social activities
On best estimates around 30 per cent of children in Newport live in relative poverty. This has been a growing problem, particularly as the local economy slowed during the Thatcher years.
The problem was exacerbated after 2017 with the introduction of the two child benefit cap by the Conservative Government limiting financial support in the welfare system to the first two children in a household.
1 in 9 children were affected by the limit with 59 per cent of the households in work. The abolition of the cap from April 2026 means 4,000 children in Newport will receive increased financial support.
480,000 families across the UK with three or more children will get an average rise in support of £4,100 a year.
According to Child Poverty Action Group this is one family’s experience of the policy:
“A working couple with three children has their universal credit reduced by the two-child limit. Their income is very tight. During a period when the father was out of work due to ill health, the family was not able to get a cake or any presents for their youngest child’s birthday. They hoped the child would be too young to remember.”
In addition, in Newport from April free childcare support for working parents is now available to all those with children aged 2 and over. This includes wrap around and other child care services.
The Institute for Public Policy Research states that the additional income will primarily be spent in the local economy “By putting money directly into the pockets of families who need it most, ending the limit will strengthen local economies, support child development, and ease pressure on public services. In short, removing the two-child limit is the fastest, fairest and most cost-effective way to reduce child poverty across the UK.”