27/11/2025 - “Life-changing for thousands”: Luton Council hails end of two-child benefit cap
Luton Council has welcomed the Chancellor’s announcement that the two-child benefit cap will be abolished from next April - a change set to lift thousands of local children out of poverty and transform the lives of thousands of children across the town.
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The announcement follows sustained lobbying from Luton Council and partners, who have long warned that the cap was driving deep hardship in the community. This included a detailed letter sent to the Government in December 2024 outlining the harmful impact of the cap on Luton’s families. It stated that 1,700 Luton families, including more than 6,000 children, were losing up to £3,235 per year for each additional child. In total, it is estimated that up to £9.2 million will go directly to some of Luton’s most vulnerable households annually - money that will be spent locally, supporting children’s wellbeing and strengthening the town’s economy. Cllr Hazel Simmons MBE, Leader of Luton Council, said, “We are delighted the Government will abolish the two-child benefit cap from April. We have lobbied hard for this change because, despite Luton’s resilience and the incredible efforts of our community, chronic underfunding has left too many families unable to make ends meet. It has been heart breaking to see the impact of this unfair policy on parents doing their very best.” “This is so important for our town. Thousands of Luton families will be lifted out of destitution, giving children the chance of a healthier, safer and more secure start in life.” Luton’s 2040 vision commits the town to ensuring everyone can thrive and that no one lives in poverty by 2040 and today’s announcement marks a major step towards achieving that ambition. |