Keir Starmer hints he could scrap two-child benefit cap in Budget

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"Sir Keir Starmer has hinted that he could scrap the two-child benefit cap at the Budget, saying he is determined to drive down child poverty. The prime minister said that the government will be taking a number of measures to tackle the issue, amid speculation that the cap will be altered or scrapped entirely following pressure from Labour MPs. It is the latest hint that the cap could be removed after Rachel Reeves said on Monday that there are costs to our economy in allowing child poverty to go unchecked."

"In a clip broadcast on ITV's Lorraine programme on Tuesday, the prime minister said: I can tell you in no uncertain terms I am determined to drive child poverty down. It is what the last Labour government did, and that's one of the things we were proudest of. I am personally determined that is what we're going to do. You won't have to wait much longer to see what the measures are."

The Independent reports across issues such as reproductive rights, climate change, and Big Tech while emphasizing on-the-ground journalism funded by donations and no paywalls. Investigations include financial scrutiny of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC and documentary work highlighting American women fighting for reproductive rights. The outlet describes funding journalism through supporters to maintain broad access. Prime Minister Keir Starmer indicated the two-child benefit cap could be scrapped at the Budget and expressed determination to drive down child poverty. Speculation around the cap follows pressure from Labour MPs and comments that unchecked child poverty carries economic costs.

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