Two children are more than enough

The Secretary of Work & Pensions Iain Duncan-Smith (IDS) wants to cap welfare benefits at just two children.

At present out-of work households get more benefits the more children they have.

At least 1.2 million out of 7.8 million families receiving child benefits have more than two children and according to the Organisation of Economic Co-Operation and Development, the UK spending on family benefits as a percentage of  GDP is the third highest of all major economies.

Iain Duncan-Smith has expressed his concern over the fact that many working families in the UK decide against having more children or any child at all for financial reasons, while large households on welfare do not have to confront such reality. 

Child poverty campaigners expressed disapproval over the proposal, as children will be the actual victims if the Government follows through on this plan.

 “A cultural change is required so that the welfare system is a springboard into work, rather that something which traps people into a life of dependency,” Mr Duncan-Smith answered.

It is not yet clear which child-related benefits would be covered by any cap. However, the plan will not come into effect until after the next general election in 2015.