AQW 36357/22-27

Ms Sian Mulholland
Alliance Party
North Antrim

Tabled Date: 26/11/2025
Answered On Date: 09/01/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities, following the UK Government’s decision to abolish the two-child limit in Universal Credit and Child Tax Credit, to detail (i) the projected additional cost to the existing benefit cap mitigation arising from potential increases in entitlement for larger families; (ii) whether he will ensure that this additional cost is fully funded within the welfare mitigation package; and (iii) whether he will ensure that the Discretionary Support Scheme will not be reduced as a result of these changes.

Answer:

I welcome the UK Government’s decision to abolish the two-child limit, as this will help alleviate the hardship faced by many families and contribute to reducing child poverty.

Due to data complexities, the projected additional cost to the existing benefit cap mitigation arising from potential increases in entitlement for larger families is not yet available. My officials are working to quantify the full financial implications.