Stephen has written to Chloe Smith, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, asking for benefit reforms to support families and children.
Currently, the cost of living outweighs benefit incomes for families across the UK. Many households are worried they will struggle to put food on their table – and pay their energy bills – ahead of this coming winter. According to the Good Childhood Report, 85% of parents are troubled about the impact the cost-of-living crisis will have on their family.
Last year, it was found that child poverty cost the UK around £38 billion a year. With the recent rise of energy bills, there are concerns that child poverty will increase further. To combat this, Stephen has written to the Secretary of State to consider changes such as scrapping the Benefit Cap. This affects nearly 300,000 children. He would also like more money invested into Child Benefits and to uprate all benefits in line with inflation. This will advance children’s wellbeing allowing for education and welfare to flourish.
Having sent the letter, Stephen said “It is morally right the Government implements these changes for the benefit of all children in the UK.”