05/02/2026
SDLP Leader Welcomes Move To Scrap 'Damaging' Two-Child Welfare Cap
SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP has voiced her strong support for the removal of the two-child welfare cap, following the second reading of the Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill in the House of Commons.
The legislation, which moved a step closer to becoming law, seeks to repeal a policy that restricts additional Universal Credit support to the first two children in most households. The SDLP has been a long-standing opponent of the cap, which they argue has been a primary driver of child poverty since its introduction.
South Belfast and Mid Down MP Claire Hanna said: "From the moment this damaging policy was introduced by the Tories, the SDLP has campaigned for its removal. We warned of the harm it would cause when it was extended to Northern Ireland and lifting it has the potential to help over 50,000 households.
"This policy has pushed more children into poverty, penalised families and piled extra pressure on some of the poorest households. The costs to the public purse, in addressing the long term impact of poverty in childhood, are far higher than the cost of this support."
The SDLP has consistently pushed for this change across all levels of government, including Westminster, Stormont, and local councils. The party argues that the removal of the limit is a vital step in repairing the social security safety net.
Ms. Hanna concluded: "The SDLP has consistently argued for the removal of the two-child limit at Westminster, in Stormont and in councils across Northern Ireland. I welcome this progress and hope it will help lift children out of poverty and provide real support for the families who need it most."
The Bill passed its second reading with a significant majority (455 to 104) and is expected to see the cap officially lifted by April 2026.
The legislation, which moved a step closer to becoming law, seeks to repeal a policy that restricts additional Universal Credit support to the first two children in most households. The SDLP has been a long-standing opponent of the cap, which they argue has been a primary driver of child poverty since its introduction.
South Belfast and Mid Down MP Claire Hanna said: "From the moment this damaging policy was introduced by the Tories, the SDLP has campaigned for its removal. We warned of the harm it would cause when it was extended to Northern Ireland and lifting it has the potential to help over 50,000 households.
The SDLP has consistently pushed for this change across all levels of government, including Westminster, Stormont, and local councils. The party argues that the removal of the limit is a vital step in repairing the social security safety net.
Ms. Hanna concluded: "The SDLP has consistently argued for the removal of the two-child limit at Westminster, in Stormont and in councils across Northern Ireland. I welcome this progress and hope it will help lift children out of poverty and provide real support for the families who need it most."
The Bill passed its second reading with a significant majority (455 to 104) and is expected to see the cap officially lifted by April 2026.
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30 November 2023
New Executive Must Prioritise Fuel Poverty Strategy – SDLP
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01 October 2021
DUP Urge SF And SDLP To Support Removal Of Irish Sea Border
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31 January 2005
Make Poverty History campaign launched in NI
The Coalition of Aid and Development Agencies (CADA) today launched its Make Poverty History campaign in Northern Ireland. The campaign is part of a worldwide initiative, the Global Call to Action Against Poverty, highlighting 2005 as a year when governments must act on their previous commitments to combat world poverty.
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The Coalition of Aid and Development Agencies (CADA) today launched its Make Poverty History campaign in Northern Ireland. The campaign is part of a worldwide initiative, the Global Call to Action Against Poverty, highlighting 2005 as a year when governments must act on their previous commitments to combat world poverty.
24 July 2024
SDLP MP's Vote To Support End Of Two-Child Benefit Cap
SDLP MP's at Westminster have voted in favour of an SNP amendment to ending the two-child benefit cap. The SDLP has long called for an end to the cap which has compounded child poverty and has a particularly detrimental impact on families in Northern Ireland.
SDLP MP's Vote To Support End Of Two-Child Benefit Cap
SDLP MP's at Westminster have voted in favour of an SNP amendment to ending the two-child benefit cap. The SDLP has long called for an end to the cap which has compounded child poverty and has a particularly detrimental impact on families in Northern Ireland.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.