Education Policy Institute analysis on government's 'two child limit'

This research examines the impact of the policy, introduced by the Conservative government in 2017, which restricts welfare payments to families with more than two children.  

As we approach the Labour government's first budget, EPI's findings highlight significant gaps between the policy's intended goals and its actual outcomes. The analysis calls for a thorough review of the policy and urges the adoption of more effective strategies to support child welfare and reduce poverty.  
  
Key findings: 

• Negligible impact on family size: The policy was intended to influence family planning decisions, encouraging parents to make informed, rational choices before having more children. However, research reveals that the policy has had little effect on birth rates. Many families who had children after 2017 were unaware of the policy, so it didn't factor into their decision-making. 
• Increased child poverty: The analysis also finds that instead of impacting family planning decisions, the policy had a direct role in increasing child poverty by limiting the payments to low-income families. As of April 2023, 1.47 million children in low-income families were impacted by the policy.  
• Negative impact on children's development: The policy also has long-term consequences for children's development. Research shows that living in poverty negatively impacts children's cognitive development, school achievement, social skills, and overall health. 
• Public support and awareness: While polling suggests there may be public support for the 'two child limit,' there is uncertainty around how well the general public understands the policy's specific details and its actual impact on families.  

You can read the blog here.