The two-child limit for benefits in the Supreme Court: implications for public health.

R Machin

doi:10.1177/17579139211054117

Abstract

The last 10 years has been a remarkable period for the UK social security system. The most significant changes in welfare provision since the inception of the welfare state have resulted in a reduction in social security spending of over £30 billion. One of the most controversial elements of the government’s programme of welfare reform is the two-child limit. This policy has returned to the fore following a recent Supreme Court judgement,1 where the Court was asked to decide if the financial restrictions imposed by the two-child limit are compatible with rights under the European Convention on Human Rights. This commentary analyses the impact of the two-child limit, the consequences of the Supreme Court decision, and the ways in which social security is a significant public health concern.

Highlights

The government maintains that the two-child limit creates equity between working families and welfare recipients, 57% of claimants affected by the policy are classified as being in-work
The two-child limit creates a significant number of health and wellbeing concerns including an increase in mental health problems, strained relationships, social isolation, and guilt about an inability to support children in a family.[4]
The British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS)[6] reports that the two-child limit was a key factor in many women deciding to terminate a pregnancy during the pandemic

Summary

Introduction

The two-child limit creates a significant number of health and wellbeing concerns including an increase in mental health problems, strained relationships, social isolation, and guilt about an inability to support children in a family.[4]. The government maintains that the two-child limit creates equity between working families and welfare recipients, 57% of claimants affected by the policy are classified as being in-work.

Results

Conclusion