Bridget Phillipson expressed deep concern over the negative effects of the two-child benefit restriction, labeling it as “devastating.” Acting as the Education Secretary and a contender for the deputy leadership position, she strongly hinted at the impending removal of this policy.

In her role leading the government’s child poverty taskforce, Phillipson emphasized the urgent need to address the escalating child poverty rates due to the increasing numbers impacted by this measure. She stressed the necessity of taking action promptly to combat this concerning trend.

During an interview with the BBC, Phillipson attributed the adverse consequences of the policy to the Conservative government and pledged to rectify the situation. Meanwhile, Rachel Reeves is contemplating abolishing the policy later this year, which limits benefits for the first two children under Child Tax Credits and Universal Credit.

Reports suggest that the Chancellor is exploring alternatives to replace this controversial measure, including a potential “tapered system” where parents would receive varying levels of support based on the number of children. Additionally, discussions are ongoing about potentially easing the restrictions by extending benefits to families with three or four children.

Despite speculations, government officials clarified that no final decision has been made regarding the policy change, with the child poverty task force’s deliberations ongoing. Reeves refrained from confirming the scrapping of the two-child benefit cap when pressed at a recent Labour party conference event.

Phillipson and Lucy Powell are both in the running to succeed Angela Rayner as the deputy leader, with both advocating for the elimination of the contentious Tory-era policy.