Scottish Government to Scrap Two-Child Cap from March 2026

Scottish Government to Scrap Two-Child Cap from March 2026

950 Families in West Lothian to Benefit from New Policy

Angela Constance MSP has welcomed a major step by the Scottish Government to scrap the two-child benefit cap from 2nd March 2026 – a move that will support around 950 families in West Lothian currently affected by the policy.

Originally introduced by the UK Conservative Government and now backed by UK Labour, the two-child cap restricts financial support for families with more than two children. The Scottish Government has confirmed it will take action to effectively remove the impact of this policy in Scotland.

National modelling shows that this change will help lift 20,000 children out of relative poverty across the country next year – a key milestone in the Scottish Government’s mission to tackle child poverty.

Commenting, Angela Constance MSP said:

“Labour’s two-child cap has harmed 950 households in West Lothian – but from March next year that will change under this Scottish Government.

“We cannot afford to wait any longer. While Labour in Westminster refuses to act, John Swinney’s government is stepping up to support children and families in our communities.

“Scrapping the cap will make a real difference to people’s lives and shows what we can achieve when decisions are taken in Scotland, for Scotland.”

This policy change comes as part of a wider effort by the Scottish Government to mitigate the impact of UK welfare decisions, and to support families through the cost-of-living crisis.

Notes to Editors:

🔗 Read more: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/politics/snp-government-names-date-abolition-35402338 

📊 Number of households affected by the two-child cap in West Lothian: 950 (as of April 2024)

🔗 More information on Scottish Government support for families: https://www.gov.scot/cost-of-living-support/ 

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