Welcome for impact of scrapping the two-child cap

Mr Dey pointed to statistics which show that the SNP action will support 540 impacted families across Angus. It comes as the Scottish Government confirms that the Labour policy will be scrapped in Scotland from March 2, 2026.

The two-child cap was introduced by the Conservatives but has subsequently become Labour Party policy. Mr Dey said that, by ending it in Scotland, the SNP Scottish Government is ensuring 20,000 fewer children will live in relative poverty next year.

The Scottish Fiscal Commission estimates that around 43,000 children in Scotland will benefit. In contrast, the SNP point to Labour not only retaining the two child cap, but pursuing cuts to support for disabled people which will push 250,000 people – including 50,000 children – into poverty.

Mr Dey said: “Labour’s continuation of Tory austerity has harmed 540 households here in Angus – scrapping it is categorically the right thing to do.

“SNP action will lift thousands of children out of poverty, though again this requires further use of our resources to mitigate damaging Westminster policy. On social security, as on so many other areas, it is clear that Scotland would be better served by having the full control of these levers that independent countries enjoy.

“The Scottish Government is building on very considerable steps taken to tackle child poverty but is continually held back in its efforts by UK Governments pulling in the opposite direction.”