By stewartb

The House of Commons Library and the House of Lords Library amongst other things publish ‘briefings’ in advance of debates. The purpose is to provide MPs and peers respectively – particularly backbench members of both houses – with information and insight on upcoming topics. After all, backbenchers may not have sufficient tacit knowledge on all subjects to make judgements on the content of debates, nor have sufficient research resource to make good their knowledge limitations. The Libraries’ briefings are designed to ensure backbenchers are better informed.

The House of Lords Library (HoLL) published this briefing on 23 April 2024: ‘In Focus – Child poverty: Statistics, causes and the UK’s policy response’. This is a briefing for peers ahead of a House of Lords debate on 29 April 2024:

‘Lord Bird (Crossbench) to ask His Majesty’s Government what plans they have to address the root causes of child poverty across the United Kingdom.’ Note the ‘UK’ scope of the debate.

The HoLL briefing reports on Westminster government statements on actions it is taking to address child poverty. It also provides quotes from charities and think tanks.

From Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG): it has It has identified “inadequate social security benefits” as a factor in poverty rates, noting: “Since 2010, about £40bn has been taken from the annual social security budget through benefit freezes, the TWO-CHILD LIMIT, the ‘BEDROOM TAX’ and the BENEFIT CAP. Deductions for things like repaying universal credit advances also reduce incomes. And many families need to make up a shortfall in rent due to cuts in housing benefit.” (my emphasis)

In a press statement on a recent statistical release by the DWP, the HoLL reports: ‘CPAG identified the “TWO-CHILD LIMIT ON BENEFITS” AS A “KEY DRIVER” OF CHILD POVERTY. Introduced on 6 April 2017, this limited the support provided to families—whether through tax credits, housing benefit or universal credit—to two children.’

From the End Child Poverty Coalition (which has amongst its membership – CPAG, Barnardo’s, Save the Children, the Church of England and the National Association of Head Teachers): the HoLL briefing reports that the Coalition has also called for the UK government to END THE TWO-CHILD LIMIT on benefits entitlement.

From the Resolution Foundation: the HoLL reports that the foundation noted that ‘the DWP release showed “children in larger families (those with three or more children) now make up a narrow majority of the total number of children in absolute, or indeed relative, poverty even though they are only a third of children overall”. They said the “ONGOING ROLL-OUT OF THE TWO-CHILD LIMIT [ON BENEFITS] IS PROJECTED TO FURTHER INCREASE POVERTY RATES FOR THIS GROUP”.’

Also from the HoLL: ‘In a January 2024 study, the foundation described the BENEFIT CAP, INTRODUCED IN 2013, AND THE TWO-CHILD LIMIT, INTRODUCED IN 2017, AS “CATASTROPHIC CAPS”. It said the policies affected almost half a million families and HAD CONTRIBUTED TO INCREASED CHILD POVERTY RATES.’

And in Scotland? The HoLL briefing designed to provide peers – UK legislators - with information prior to a debate that has a UK-wide scope, makes NO MENTION OF THE SCOTTISH CHILD PAYMENT! It makes NO MENTION OF THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT’S ACTIONS TO MITIGATE THE EFFECTS OF WESTMINSTER’S CAPS! So this information is not relevant to a debate which is UK-wide in scope?

From Disability Rights UK: ‘The bedroom tax applies in Scotland, but the Scottish government has allowed for AN EXTENSION OF DISCRETIONARY HOUSING PAYMENTS (DHPS) TO COVER TENANTS WHO WOULD OTHERWISE LOSE OUT. You need to apply for a DHP to receive this support. Similar measures apply in Northern Ireland.’ (https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/resources/bedroom-tax )

On 23 February 2023, the National reported: ‘FAMILIES COULD BE £2500 BETTER OFF AS A RESULT OF THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT SPENDING ALMOST £9 MILLION TO HELP THOSE IMPACTED BY WESTMINSTER’S BENEFIT CAP.

‘The Child Poverty Action Group (i.e. the very same organisation quoted extensively in the HoLL briefing) said THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT HAD “DONE THE RIGHT THING” by providing the extra cash for those in need. But the campaign group also insisted THE UK GOVERNMENT SHOULD ACT AND MUST “SCRAP THE CAP ALTOGETHER”.’

How many members of the House of Lords will be aware of the actions taken by the Scottish Government – and acknowledged as beneficial by campaigning charities? Will Labour and Lib Dem opposition (all Unionist) peers from Scotland make good the deficiencies in the HoLL’s briefing and ensure that the the House of Lords is made aware of the SNP government’s actions to reduce child poverty in Scotland? Aye right!